December | 2024

Winter holidays are here and friendly smiles from some unexpected faces greet both young and young-at-heart as they arrive. Warmest wishes from KidsAbility to you!

Hi Lisa,

Do you know what I love about the holidays? I love that at KidsAbility, you can feel children’s excited energy as they welcome back the frosty weather, and all the celebrations of this season have in store.

Right now, with children’s holiday art hanging on the walls, it’s impossible not to feel grateful. Because of your help, kids developed new skills, challenged themselves, and grew their self-esteem this year. And I know next year we’ll meet even more children and youth looking to reach ambitious goals and discover their full potential.

In this newsletter, you'll read about how one KidsAbility volunteer recently received the distinguished King Charles III Coronation Medal by significantly contributing nearly 30 years to our mission. You'll meet former KidsAbility parents, Brent and Laura, who make giving back part of their company values. And you'll find plenty of joy in events that support our work.

Thanks to generous donors like you, so many kids and families have found a place to grow and thrive at KidsAbility. You made sure of that in 2024. I hope you feel inspired to keep welcoming our news to your inboxes in 2025. I know with your support, there will be many more bright stories to share.

Wishing you holiday cheer and warmest wishes during this season of caring,

A reminder that our Foundation Office will close Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 12:00 noon and reopen Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Donations may still be placed in the secure delivery mail slot to the left of our KidsAbility Waterloo building. Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

An Award of a Lifetime

Sue Hallman, past Chair of KidsAbility Foundation and a lifelong advocate for children and youth with disabilities, was honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her extraordinary contributions to the community. Keep reading.

A Parent's Perspective

When Brent and Laura Ferguson first walked into KidsAbility in 2004, it was as parents seeking support for their son, Cade. Today, they’re one of our strongest advocates, knowing first-hand the experience the receiving transformative care. Keep reading.

Celebrate 2025 early with a gift that gets matched

In the spirit of the season, our good friends and generous partners, Shaver Industries Inc., are eager to give kids a strong start to 2025! All 2024 donations received before midnight on December 31 will be matched up to $10,000! It's a wonderful opportunity for your gift to go even further toward physiotherapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, augmentative communication services, educational resources and more.

In whatever way to choose to give, thank you for your generous support. Tax receipts for 2024 will be issued to all donations postmarked before January 1, 2025. Thank you for being a friend to KidsAbility, we couldn't do what we do without you!

Give a holiday gift that makes 2X the impact!

All online gifts made before midnight on December 31, 2024 will be matched by Shaver Industries Inc., up to a total of $10,000. Your tax receipt will reflect the original gift amount, not the matched amount.

KidsAbility Foundation Charitable Registration 890894 3673 RR0001

News, Stories & Events

You make brighter futures possible.

KidsAbility Kitchener hosts the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Business After 5: Holiday Edition. Keep reading.

The ENVISAGE Families Program launches with the support of KidsAbility's Rocket Discovery Centre to support families early in their diagnosis journey. Keep reading .

05.MARCH.2025 -- 30 teams, 120 racers, one epic event.

KidsAbility Plasma Cars will race again and we're looking for sponsors at various levels for this #SpeedForNeed event. Take me there!

Get your tickets now for a family-friendly winter wonderland on January 4 at Bingemans' Gift of Lights Walk Night for KidsAbility. Enjoy an evening filled with lights and sounds featuring a 40-foot LED tree, light tunnels and holiday tunes. Fully accessible.

50% of all ticket proceeds are donated to KidsAbility. Purchase your tickets today.

What's Happening in support of KidsAbility

When you take part in community events and purchase from local business partners who give back, it's a WIN-WIN for kids and their families. Thank you!

A Toonie for Tree Bailing at Grobe Nursery - until December 24

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 for the Holidays

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 and Holiday Gifting

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

An Award of a Lifetime﻿

A Parent's Perspective﻿