November | 2024

"Holding Peace." Students are reaching milestones in learning about Remembrance Day in our KidsAbility School classrooms this week, thanks to your support.

Hi Lisa,


There’s a noticeable chill in the air as autumn settles in and starts looking towards winter. Daylight savings time brings a shift in our intentions and routines. And, if you’re like me, you might seek a more internal focus as we start preparing for the winter ahead. For some, that might mean advanced prep for the holidays. If that describes you, we have upcoming events, special fundraisers, and other ways to give back for local kids and their families to thrive. So brew your favourite hot beverage, enjoy that first sip feeling, and settle into this month’s Connections e-news edition.


Warmest regards,

Important news about giving by mail!

In the event of a Canada Post mail disruption, your gift is still needed at this meaningful time of the year. There are many ways to donate safely and securely:


Thank you in advance for your generous support. I wish you and yours the very best during this season of caring.

Outstanding Supporters

Meet the recipients of the 2024 Elaine Ormston Outstanding Supporter Butterfly Awards. Keep reading.

A Parent's Perspective


"My daughter Delilah loves keeping busy. She adores rides at the fair, spending time at the library, and playing outside. She lives with dynamic spastic cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, and multiple other conditions. It’s a lot for one beautiful little seven-year-old to deal with. 


Therapy sessions at KidsAbility mean so much to Delilah–she lights up when she sees her physiotherapist! Together, they work on her walking posture and coordination with the LiteGait device provided by KidsAbility. Delilah’s occupational therapist is helping her build grip strength to better use her toys and communication devices. I’m so proud of her commitment to mastering these new skills! 


Without KidsAbility, Josh and I would be lost online looking for resources. We count ourselves lucky that instead, we get support tailored for Delilah. At KidsAbility, our family is understood—and Delilah is seen as the determined, incredible, happy little girl that she is.”


– Jessica, mom to Delilah

Helping Delilah meet milestones are why we do what we do here at KidsAbility.

This holiday season, your donation will fund life-changing therapy, innovative programs, and helpful equipment and technology to support children and youth like my Delilah receive the therapy and care they deserve to communicate, move, and feel their best every day!

Make a holiday gift today!

Tiny Masterpieces Make Big Impact

As the local small business owner of Waterloo Framing and Art Centre, Heidi Wagner has built a solid reputation for turning memories into masterpieces. So, when she was first introduced to the handmade note cards created by the hands and hearts of KidsAbility School students Junior Kindergarten program, she jumped at the chance to offer her retail store space as a means to increase awareness of their artwork.


"Giving back to the community is important to me, and KidsAbility has been a staple in the community for as long as I can remember. I raised my family in the neighbourhood and have had friends who have worked there and others whose children have benefited from the services provided by their dedicated team.

" Suminagashi or “floating ink” is the ancient Japanese process of marbling plain paper with water and ink to transform it into something vibrant and colorful. It is highly therapeutic and captivating for our students as the colours can be manipulated into various patterns simply and beautifully. 


Each Suminagashi piece of artwork by KidsAbility students is a meaningful representation of their endless creative possibilities to thrive and grow, with each card its own unique design. 

Perfect for the holidays as a hostess gift, these 4-pack of note cards are blank inside and can be used to celebrate any occasion throughout the year. 100% of the proceeds return to KidsAbility and can be found at:



Waterloo Framing & Art Centre

465 Phillip St, Waterloo

News, Stories & Events

You make brighter futures possible.

KidsAbility Waterloo Accessible Playground Grand Opening is making a difference for ALL local kids! Keep reading.

It's the 10th season of The Sounds of Christmas in support of KidsAbility and tickets are on sale now for November & December showtimes. Purchase your tickets today.

May Court Club of KW's Christmas Dreams returns to Conestoga Mall. Raffle ticket chances to win a stunningly decorated tree designed by local nursery businesses, plus cash, electronic, sporting events, and lifestyle prizes. Purchase your raffle tickets today

What's Happening in support of KidsAbility

When you take part in community events and purchase from business partners who support by giving back to KidsAbility, we ALL help support local kids in our community. Thank you!

Celebrate National Child's Day with Four All Ice Cream

Launching today, @fourallicecream will give local kids an opportunity to voice their choice and rename 4 of their iconic flavours in celebration of National Child's Day on November 20! Learn more.



Fairytale Winter Ball

Children can celebrate this December with princesses, a delicious lunch, engaging entertainment, dancing, and a magical experience for all at Victoria Park Pavilion. Learn more.



Joel Rubinoff: The Rock 'n Roll Years Film Festival @ Princess Cinemas

Former local Record entertainment writer Joel Rubinoff is taking his pop culture coverage to a new level by hosting a curated film festival fundraiser for KidsAbility at the Original Princess Cinemas with a series of classic films that Joel will introduce and discuss post-show with his special guest. Get tickets.



A Toonie for Tree Bailing at Grobe Nursery


Since 1994, Grobe Nursery has supported KidsAbility by giving back by donating $2 from the bailing of each Christmas tree purchased, and this year is no exception. Learn more.



Label it, love it, never lose it!


Mabel’s Labels are built to withstand even the mightiest messes – dishwasher, waterproof and laundry safe as well! Stop loosing finds you love and give back with your purchase. Shop now.

A Parent Resource

Written by local mom and author Tina MacPherson, "Hello, My Name is Jackson" details the milestones of her son and how KidsAbility has been monumental in his growth and progression through his Autism journey since he was 2.5 years old. Get yours.



Winter Reading

Entrepreneur and coach Gary Mottershead infuses his book Nimble Future with advice on how to learn from the past, adapt your mindset, and experience massive success in an ever-changing world. Get yours.

Is there a story you’d really like to hear? Other feedback you’d like to share? If so, simply email me. I welcome your thoughts and ideas. And, if you know a family member or friend who would love reading these stories, please share this email. Thanks for reading this issue of Connections.



Lisa Talbot, Executive Director, KidsAbility Foundation



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