There are lots of good things happening at QuickStart!
Read about our Autumn Evening for Autism, our Justin Bieber auction, our exciting new program, upcoming workshops and great new way to support us during the holiday season and year round!
I'd like to start by saying a big Thank You once again to all our volunteers, our Board of Directors, and to all our old and new supporters/donors - together we are making a difference!
As we celebrate the holidays, please help others to realize just how difficult the change in routine is for children on the autism spectrum during this time of year. Extra patience, caring and understanding are always greatly appreciated.
If you haven't been able to support us at our fundraisers, please take the opportunity in this season of giving to make your donation today.
On a personal note, I was completely overwhelmed when Senator Jim Munson presented me with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal at our Autumn Evening for Autism. Thank you to all those who nominated me and to Senator and Mrs. Munson for your kind words about me and our work. I am truly honoured. Kanata Kourier article.
Wishing you a joyful and blessed holiday season!
Suzanne
AUTISM AND QUICKSTART IN THE NEWS:
An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day
On October 25th, Senator Jim Munson's Bill S-206 "was fast-tracked and passed by members of the House of Commons." Thank you Senator Munson for your unending support of children with autism and their families! Now every April 2nd will be officially recognized as World Autism Awareness Day in Canada!
Toronto Star - The Autism Project
For the past three weeks, the Toronto Star has been doing a series on autism covering the waiting times for children through to the lack of services for adults. Go to Autism Project to read more.
QuickStart Facebook Page
Stay up to date with the latest news and events. Follow us on Facebook. "Like" our Facebook page today.
NEW QuickStart PROGRAM:
KickStart
We are excited to announce our newest pilot project, KickStart. Emerging Minds will be delivering this new service, targeting children 30 months and younger. Our goal is to provide immediate services for newly diagnosed children with autism, effectively a) kick-starting their learning, b) providing parents with immediate strategies to help their child, and c) establishing learning objectives for each child. Families and children qualifying for KickStart will each receive a year of services at no cost. The program includes a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Developmental Pediatrician/Psychiatrist, an Early Intervention Specialist, and a strong parent coaching component.
QuickStart Video - Have a look at our new video on the Getting Started Services Clinic! Early Intervention makes a difference. It opens with my grandson and I! view here
WORKSHOPS:
Nutrition Watch for our upcoming workshop early in the new year on nutrition presented by Anna Varriano from Perfect Resonance Natural Health Counseling.
Effective Early Intervention We will be holding our second workshop on Effective Early Intervention Strategies with: Dr. Leslie Jocelyn; Dr. Yolanda Korneluk; Robin Gaines PhD, CC-SLP, SLP (C), CASLPO; and Véronique Chiasson OT Reg. (Ontario), ABA Therapist, Early Start Denver Model trainer. More information coming soon.
GRANTS AND FUNDRAISING:
Unity for Autism
In November a very generous grant from Unity for Autism was awarded to QuickStart! This grant will be used to hire another Speech Pathologist and a Social Worker for the new WeeStart Clinic, operated in partnership with the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre. WeeStart sees children 21 months and younger and is based on the Getting Started Services model. Thank you Unity for Autism for making such a profound difference for children in our community with autism!
Autumn Evening for Autism
A tremendous thank you to Jordan Kruz, owner of RARE Restaurant and Bar, for donating his beautiful restaurant to QuickStart for our Autumn Evening for Autism. Thanks to the generosity of Jordan and many others, we raised $26,000 for the children! Jordan, you are a QuickStart Champion! Click here to see the winner of the stay at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Bermuda and photos from the evening! Please remember to use the gift certificates you won or purchased through our fundraising events!
Justin Bieber Auction Raises $6,500 for QuickStart
Thank you Justin Bieber and Dan Kanter for donating two tickets along with two Meet & Greet passes to your Ottawa Believe Concert! Thanks also to Shawn Gervais (Prizemax.ca) for your donation in setting up and running the auction site for us, to RARE Restaurant and Bar for donating a dinner for two, and to Royalty Limousine Service for donating your limousine service for the evening. There is one very happy girl in Ottawa! A big thank you to her father for his very generous bid. What a QuickStart Champion! Read more in the Ottawa Citizen.
AND, ON A FINAL NOTE ... Do you shop on-line? A new way to support QuickStart!
Shop & ShareA great way to help raise money for QuickStart when you shop on-line from a great selection of retailers. You won't pay any more for your products but a portion of the sales will go to QuickStart! Just register and you're ready to go. Click on Shop and Share to get to our charity page, then simply click 'support' to begin shopping. It's that easy! Note: For your purchases to qualify, you must originate your shopping from the Shop and Share website and select QuickStart as the charity you want to benefit. Thank you Lan Tran for the suggestion!