I have left a legacy gift to KidsAbility Please contact me to arrange for a personal tour of KidsAbility I wish to make a gift to KidsAbility

Name: ___________________________________________

Street: ___________________________________________

City: _______________________ Postal Code: ____________

Email: ___________________________________________

Phone: ( ) _________________________

If applicable:

Amount: $ _________ I wish to give anonymously and not be named in any Foundation materials.

Cheque/Cash Visa Master Card American Express

Card #: ______________________________ Expiry: ___/___

Signature: ________________________ Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $10. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be listed in the annual report.

KidsAbility Foundation respects your privacy. We do not rent, sell or trade our mailing lists. Periodically we may share information about KidsAbility and KidsAbility Foundation by mail and email. This may include our annual report, event invitations, newsletters and updates concerning KidsAbility and its needs. If at any time you wish to be removed from our list or require information about our privacy procedures, simply contact us by phone at 519-886-8886 ext. 201.

2010 Newsletter No. 2

Between April 1st and August 31st the following people were honoured with

Tribute Gifts to KidsAbility:

Honour someone special with a Tribute Gift to KidsAbility

A Tribute Gift is not only thoughtful and easy to make - it also has a lasting impact.

When you make a donation to KidsAbility in honour of someone special or to mark

a significant moment in your life, you will be making a difference in the lives of thousands

of children with special needs.

Your donation will provide a new-found level of independence gained, for example, by giving children a sense of mobility or communicating for the first time with their family and friends.

Jack Forbes

Mary Witzel

Samantha Dunnington

Kim Yzerman

Katherine Gray

Marion & Clayton Brown

Sydney Charron

Rob Hooper

Eric Lottman

Richard Christie

Robyn Clair Seger

Tillie Murphy

Wyatt Smaglinski

Pete Goindi

Hans & Anne Kroisenbrunner

Charlotte Stradeski

Emma Braga

Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Wagner

Heidi Wu

Dani Gravelle

Jan & Linda Gray

Betty Wilson

Supporting the Life JourneyScotiabank Group dedicates $100,000 to the KidsAbility Centre of Excellence

www.kidsability.ca

“KidsAbility helps me to walk with my canes and to exercise and stretch my legs. This makes me feel happy.”

- Sydney, future Veterinarian

Call today to learn how you can leave a legacy to ensure the future of countless children

1.888.372.2259 ext. 201

Empowering children and youth with special needs

to realize their full potential

www.kidsability.ca

ensures her future

a Gift in your will...

Visit our website for more information

In Memoriam Birthdays Anniversaries Births

Christmas Weddings Celebrations

Building on a partnership established two years ago, Scotiabank Group’s donation is of unparalleled support for the Centre of Excellence. This will allow for the continued exploration of excellence beyond rehabilitation and intervention services, treatment plans and direct clinical service to clients and their families. It will also allow the Centre of Excellence to support knowledge sharing and the development of new partnerships to improve the quality of services for children with special needs.

“Our partnership with KidsAbility Centre of Excellence is extremely gratifying,” said Glen Travers, Scotiabank Community Manager for Waterloo. “A short visit to KidsAbility gives you appreciation for the tremendous care they provide. Our employees share their passion and commitment for children, family and community.”

Enhancing Service DeliveryKidsAbility to open Kitchener site in 2011

In Spring 2011, KidsAbility will begin offering services from a new Kitchener site co-located inside The Family Centre, operated by Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region, on the corner of Hanson and Ardelt Avenues. This 5,200 square foot space will allow KidsAbility to provide physiotherapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy and social work services to children with special needs.

A few years ago, KidsAbility began the process of looking to expand its physical capacity. After much discussion, research and planning, the goal of a Kitchener site clearly emerged--one that would allow KidsAbility to improve access to services and reduce travel times for families.

When the option to share space with fellow local service agencies presented itself, KidsAbility instantly realized the potential to maximize and share resources to better serve clients. Having already benefitted from the advantages of co-location, as with its sites in Cambridge, Fergus and Guelph, The Family Centre will provide many added benefits to clients and therapists at the Kitchener site such as access to a double gym, the use of spacious corridors for wheelchair and gait training for physically challenged clients, elevators, play areas and ample parking. This new site and new partnership will further allow KidsAbility to continue to serve the growing needs of children and their families in our community.

Two Blue Eyes + One Pink Smile = Thousands of Smiles for Local Kids

From September 20th to September 26th, purchase a Tim Hortons Smile Cookie

in Kitchener-Waterloo, and 100% of the proceeds of this much loved treat will be donated

to help children and youth at KidsAbility.

Last year, over $60,000 was raised for KidsAbility which helped to make a difference for over 4,400 children and youth with special needs.

The Smile Cookie program is a fun way for Tim Hortons store owners to give back to the community and make a difference locally. So smile…your sweet treat will make a difference right here in our own backyard!

Meet our Ambassadors!Ryan - Cambridge Ambassador

Ten weeks ahead of schedule, Ryan was welcomed by his parents, and brother, Tyler. At four-months of age, his journey brought him to KidsAbility. Ryan’s parents, Christine and Dan were thankful for the fact that their son had access to the services that he would need so early in his life.

“We are convinced Ryan is so physically capable today because we started his therapy within the first six months of his life. We were able to set up great routines and exercises that kept him limber and were successful in not letting bad habits develop, like dragging his foot, which would make rehabilitation more challenging,” says Christine and Dan.

Ryan has benefitted from physio, occupational and speech therapy at KidsAbility. This has empowered him to achieve his independence. Ryan eventually was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a diagnosis that has done nothing to deter this precocious young man of one day dreaming to be a police officer.

“Our main desire for Ryan is that he has all the opportunities any child would have at an independent adult life. We feel KidsAbility is aptly named, because through our experience, they have shown that it is about what our kids can do--not what they can’t. When the focus is put on our kids’ abilities, they are able to meet or even surpass expectations. KidsAbility has given us access to tools, services, knowledge and support to help Ryan be independent, all in one place.”

Ryan and his family continue to benefit from the knowledge, support and life-changing therapy at KidsAbility; tools that are equipping Ryan for a bright future!

When Lauren was born, her parents were completely unprepared for the news that their baby girl had Down syndrome. At seven months old, Lauren came to KidsAbility and has benefitted from a wide variety of services.

Therapists worked with Lauren’s entire family by teaching them special methods and ways to enhance their daughter’s skills and learning at home. Her family also credits the support that Lauren’s brother received, which helped him to better understand his sister and why Lauren did things a little differently.

Lauren is 11 years old and attends school in a regular classroom. She loves to sing and dance and one day, dreams of becoming a teacher and a famous singer like Hannah Montana. “KidsAbility has helped me in many ways,” says Lauren. “When learning, I need more time and patience. I know lots of things, like how to be a friend, how to read and how to help other people. I am just like you. I can learn to do everything that you can, it just takes me longer. KidsAbility is important for kids like me.”

“Lauren is just Lauren, not Lauren with Down syndrome--just the amazing, skillful, beautiful girl who is capable of being all she wants to be,” says her family.

Lauren - Guelph Ambassador

Nicole and Adam noticed that Logan wasn’t sitting up like other children his age. They began to ask questions, and when he was 12-months old they received the news from their paediatrician: Logan had Cerebral Palsy. It wasn’t long after first receiving this diagnosis that KidsAbility quickly became a second home for their young family.

At 2 ½ years of age, Logan delights in riding his bike, watching his favourite show Four Square and absolutely loves to paint and swim. Logan also loves coming to KidsAbility; a sentiment shared by his parents.

“For us being a parent is already a new and sometimes scary thing. Add into the mix a child with a disability and it’s even more complicated,” says Nicole and Adam. “KidsAbility has given us a safety zone. A place where we can ask all the questions we need to about Logan and his Cerebral Palsy.”

They are quick to credit KidsAbility with making one of their goals for Logan a reality: walking. Today, he is walking with the aid of his walker. Just like many parents, Logan’s parents dream of the day when they can watch their son run and kick the ball--without his walker.

The ability to walk was a huge milestone that was achieved because Logan benefitted from physiotherapy early in his young life at KidsAbility. His parents appreciate the quality of care that Logan continues to receive and know that this is just the beginning for him.

“Our hope is that his disability does not own or restrict him from what he really wants in life.”

Logan - Kitchener-Waterloo Ambassador

September marks the beginning of a new year at KidsAbility Foundation. With the new year comes new challenges, new needs, new ambassadors and new reasons to celebrate.

September is also a time to offer a sincere thank you to the many generous friends and supporters of the children we have all committed to serve. Without the generous support of so many, there would be decidedly less to celebrate – support of talent, time, and teamwork provided annually by almost 500 dedicated volunteers lending willing and talented hands in the classroom, in various support services, at our Radiothon,

golf tournaments, run-for-kids initiatives, and a host of third-party fundraising events.

Thank you, too, for the generous financial support of the more than 4,400 kids served annually by KidsAbility; determined kids embracing their own personal quests for a brighter future.

Still, despite the generosity of so many individuals, businesses, and service clubs, more than 1,300 kids are waiting to receive the benefits of KidsAbility’s skilled professionals. Your continued support in dollars and goodwill is crucial to the futures of so many.

No one can provide a more effective heart-felt thank you than our KidsAbility ambassadors: Ryan, Lauren and Logan. Their inspiring stories and their expressions of gratitude provide compelling assurances that your dollars have been well spent and that your continuing support is essential to the crafting of more fulfilling lives for so many local youngsters.

GreetingsKidsAbility Foundation Board Chair

Douglas R. Letson

Doug Letson

2010-2011KidsAbility Foundation Board of Directors

Douglas Letson Chair

Ray Pedersen Vice-Chair

Sue Hallman Past Chair

Bob Blowes Treasurer

Ron Weiler Secretary

Elly Yach Annual Campaign Chair

Elaine Ormston Endowment Campaign

Chair

Cindy Bridge Endowment Campaign

Vice-Chair

David Graham Governance

Committee Chair

Wayne Kemick Investment

Committee Chair

Dan Girardi Radiothon Chair

Directors-At-Large John Griggs

Carol Petersen Al Raftis

Bryan Stewart Louise Leonard

I have left a legacy gift to KidsAbility Please contact me to arrange for a personal tour of KidsAbility I wish to make a gift to KidsAbility

Name: ___________________________________________

Street: ___________________________________________

City: _______________________ Postal Code: ____________

Email: ___________________________________________

Phone: ( ) _________________________

If applicable:

Amount: $ _________ I wish to give anonymously and not be named in any Foundation materials.

Cheque/Cash Visa Master Card American Express

Card #: ______________________________ Expiry: ___/___

Signature: ________________________ Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $10. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be listed in the annual report.

KidsAbility Foundation respects your privacy. We do not rent, sell or trade our mailing lists. Periodically we may share information about KidsAbility and KidsAbility Foundation by mail and email. This may include our annual report, event invitations, newsletters and updates concerning KidsAbility and its needs. If at any time you wish to be removed from our list or require information about our privacy procedures, simply contact us by phone at 519-886-8886 ext. 201.

2010 Newsletter No. 2

Between April 1st and August 31st the following people were honoured with

Tribute Gifts to KidsAbility:

Honour someone special with a Tribute Gift to KidsAbility

A Tribute Gift is not only thoughtful and easy to make - it also has a lasting impact.

When you make a donation to KidsAbility in honour of someone special or to mark

a significant moment in your life, you will be making a difference in the lives of thousands

of children with special needs.

Your donation will provide a new-found level of independence gained, for example, by giving children a sense of mobility or communicating for the first time with their family and friends.

Jack Forbes

Mary Witzel

Samantha Dunnington

Kim Yzerman

Katherine Gray

Marion & Clayton Brown

Sydney Charron

Rob Hooper

Eric Lottman

Richard Christie

Robyn Clair Seger

Tillie Murphy

Wyatt Smaglinski

Pete Goindi

Hans & Anne Kroisenbrunner

Charlotte Stradeski

Emma Braga

Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Wagner

Heidi Wu

Dani Gravelle

Jan & Linda Gray

Betty Wilson

Supporting the Life JourneyScotiabank Group dedicates $100,000 to the KidsAbility Centre of Excellence

www.kidsability.ca

“KidsAbility helps me to walk with my canes and to exercise and stretch my legs. This makes me feel happy.”

- Sydney, future Veterinarian

Call today to learn how you can leave a legacy to ensure the future of countless children

1.888.372.2259 ext. 201

Empowering children and youth with special needs

to realize their full potential

www.kidsability.ca

ensures her future

a Gift in your will...

Visit our website for more information

In Memoriam Birthdays Anniversaries Births

Christmas Weddings Celebrations

Building on a partnership established two years ago, Scotiabank Group’s donation is of unparalleled support for the Centre of Excellence. This will allow for the continued exploration of excellence beyond rehabilitation and intervention services, treatment plans and direct clinical service to clients and their families. It will also allow the Centre of Excellence to support knowledge sharing and the development of new partnerships to improve the quality of services for children with special needs.

“Our partnership with KidsAbility Centre of Excellence is extremely gratifying,” said Glen Travers, Scotiabank Community Manager for Waterloo. “A short visit to KidsAbility gives you appreciation for the tremendous care they provide. Our employees share their passion and commitment for children, family and community.”

Enhancing Service DeliveryKidsAbility to open Kitchener site in 2011

In Spring 2011, KidsAbility will begin offering services from a new Kitchener site co-located inside The Family Centre, operated by Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region, on the corner of Hanson and Ardelt Avenues. This 5,200 square foot space will allow KidsAbility to provide physiotherapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy and social work services to children with special needs.

A few years ago, KidsAbility began the process of looking to expand its physical capacity. After much discussion, research and planning, the goal of a Kitchener site clearly emerged--one that would allow KidsAbility to improve access to services and reduce travel times for families.

When the option to share space with fellow local service agencies presented itself, KidsAbility instantly realized the potential to maximize and share resources to better serve clients. Having already benefitted from the advantages of co-location, as with its sites in Cambridge, Fergus and Guelph, The Family Centre will provide many added benefits to clients and therapists at the Kitchener site such as access to a double gym, the use of spacious corridors for wheelchair and gait training for physically challenged clients, elevators, play areas and ample parking. This new site and new partnership will further allow KidsAbility to continue to serve the growing needs of children and their families in our community.

Two Blue Eyes + One Pink Smile = Thousands of Smiles for Local Kids

From September 20th to September 26th, purchase a Tim Hortons Smile Cookie

in Kitchener-Waterloo, and 100% of the proceeds of this much loved treat will be donated

to help children and youth at KidsAbility.

Last year, over $60,000 was raised for KidsAbility which helped to make a difference for over 4,400 children and youth with special needs.

The Smile Cookie program is a fun way for Tim Hortons store owners to give back to the community and make a difference locally. So smile…your sweet treat will make a difference right here in our own backyard!