Impact Newsletter – June 2024
Welcome to a World of Impact and Inclusion!
As we step into a new season of growth and possibilities, we’re excited to share the incredible stories, updates, and achievements from our vibrant community. This newsletter is packed with inspiring moments, important announcements, and ways you can continue to support our mission. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of children with Down syndrome and their families.
We are delighted to feature another heartwarming story of inclusion from one of our remarkable alumni. Additionally, this edition highlights the generosity of our amazing donors whose support makes our mission possible. We also celebrate the tremendous success of our first annual PREP Classic – Golf for Good tournament, which brought our community together in an unforgettable way.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your unwavering commitment to inclusion, education, and empowerment. Let’s dive into these exciting stories and accomplishments and celebrate the impact we are making together!
STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION
Meet Siobhan; An Advocate for Inclusion in Sports, Community and Employment
From February 27th–March 2, 2024 Calgary was thrilled and ready to welcome the nation for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. Over 4,000 visitors, including athletes, coaches, officials, and mission staff, along with their families and friends gathered together to create an experience of a lifetime for these deserving athletes.
In the months preceding, many people worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these would be the best National Games that Canada has ever seen. The Games Organizing Committee was committed to hiring five local Special Olympic athletes to serve as Athlete Ambassadors. Inclusion was the overall theme of these Winter Games and what better way to promote inclusion than to hire five Special Olympic
Athletes.
Siobhan was excited at the opportunity to become an Ambassador. The process was intense. After the initial application Siobhan had an online interview followed by an in-person interview. A couple of weeks later she found out she was one of the lucky five to be hired (a paid position). Many of her interview skills were developed while she attended PREP.
The Ambassador position came with many responsibilities and opportunities which have allowed Siobhan’s confidence to continue to grow. For ten months prior to the Games, she spoke at public events, delivered on-camera interviews and participated in school programs. She was highlighted during professional sporting events and participated in the Calgary Stampede Parade. Siobhan spoke of her own personal experiences and the value of inclusive employment for not only individuals with disabilities but the benefits for the employers and staff, during several of her appearances.
Siobhan worked with the Games Organizing Committee and with Tourism Calgary to promote the National Winter Games to community partners. An important message was the value of sport and it’s place in living a full and active life for individuals with disabilities.
During the week long event, Siobhan and her colleagues were present at all of the sporting events, cheering on all the athletes, even during the cold weather. They presented medals to the winning athletes, many of which will go to Italy next year to represent Canada at the World Winter Games.
The Ambassador Program was a whirlwind of activity and many lifelong friendships were made. It was a positive experience for everyone. Siobhan and her Ambassador colleagues have made a difference to the Calgary community and beyond. They proved that people with disabilities are very capable, passionate, reliable and that they have so much to offer when they are given a chance.
Now that the games are over, Siobhan continues to work at her two part time jobs: Safeway and Old Navy. She is a Special Olympics athlete and she participates in floor hockey, rhythmic gymnastics and soccer. She loves live theatre, improv and acting. Siobhan got her big break last spring when she was hired as a background performer for the CBC TV series Heartland and now is hoping to be able to do more. Siobhan enjoys biking, walking and skiing with her family and hanging out with her good friends that she met at PREP. Her life is full and she continues to amaze everyone who knows her.
DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
We are thrilled to announce that The PREP Society is once again a proud participant in the Birdies For Kids program! This fantastic initiative, designed to help raise funds for local charities, engage the community in the tournament, and provide matching funds, acts as a powerful partnership builder between donors and charities. All donations will flow through the Calgary Rogers Charity Classic Foundation directly to Alberta charities, with 100% of the funds going straight to The PREP Society. Even better, all administrative costs for the program, including website administration, credit card fees, promotional materials, and invoicing, are covered by the Rogers Charity Classic tournament. This means every dollar you donate until August 31st is maximized, and through the matching pool, your generous contribution can be matched up to 50%. Your support will help us continue to provide essential programs and services for children with Down syndrome and their families. Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to making a difference in our community!
RECENT EVENT
The PREP Classic – Golf for Good Tournament
The inaugural PREP Classic – Golf for Good tournament was an incredible success, bringing together our community for a day of golf, camaraderie, and philanthropy. Held at the picturesque Hamptons Golf Club, the event saw enthusiastic participation from golfers and supporters, all united by a shared commitment to supporting children with Down syndrome and their families.
The weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement as participants teed off for a day of friendly competition. While nobody managed to snag the coveted prize of a 2024 Ford Bronco, generously offered as a Hole-In-One prize, the day was far from lacking in excitement and rewards. Golfers enjoyed a series of engaging contests and opportunities to win fantastic prizes, including a $25,000 cash prize, making the tournament a memorable experience for all.
Beyond the thrilling game and the wonderful prizes, the true highlight of the day was the overwhelming support from our community. Thanks to the generosity and participation of our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers, the event raised over $25,000! These funds are crucial in supporting The PREP Society’s programs and services, ensuring that children with Down syndrome continue to receive the support they need to thrive and live active, included lives in their communities.
The success of the PREP Classic – Golf for Good tournament is a testament to the power of community spirit and the difference we can make when we come together. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, sponsored, and supported this event. Your contributions have made a tangible impact on the lives of many families.
As we look forward to next year’s tournament, we carry with us the memories of a fantastic day and the knowledge that together, we are making a profound difference. Thank you for your unwavering support, and we can’t wait to see you on the greens again next year for another round of Golf for Good!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – Thank you, Benjamin!
We’re delighted to share this heartwarming moment captured with Benjamin! Benjamin’s dad, Kevin, who runs a No Frills, has generously donated $300 to The PREP Society. We’re deeply grateful for their support and commitment to making a difference in our community. Thanks to contributions like these, we’re able to continue providing essential resources and programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – Thank you, Calvin!
A heartfelt thank you to Calvin for his incredible generosity and initiative in supporting PREP! Calvin recently hosted a hot chocolate stand, where he sold delicious treats with all proceeds going to our organization. We are deeply grateful for his kindness and dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Calvin’s efforts are truly inspiring and make a meaningful impact on our community. Thank you, Calvin, for your generosity and support!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – Thank you, Leo!
PREP is incredibly grateful for the generous donation received from Leo Slater, an inspiring 8-year-old with a heart of gold. Leo selflessly contributed his allowance to support children with Down syndrome, demonstrating compassion and empathy beyond his years. His act of kindness serves as a shining example of the positive impact that even the youngest members of our community can have. Leo’s heartfelt gesture reminds us all of the importance of compassion and generosity in creating a more inclusive world. We extend our sincerest thanks to Leo for his thoughtful contribution, which will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
