Impact Newsletter – March 2024
Welcome to a World of Impact and Inclusion!
At PREP, we’ve been gearing up to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with immense pride and excitement! This special day is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of individuals with Down syndrome. Today, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible stories of success and inclusion within our PREP community. From heartwarming triumphs to inspiring milestones, these stories showcase the remarkable achievements of our members and highlight the power of diversity and acceptance. These heartening tales of growth, empowerment, and unity, reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where every individual is celebrated and valued for who they are.
Your unwavering support propels us forward in our commitment to providing educational and therapeutic services that empower every individual to thrive. Join us as we illuminate the path of inclusion, one story and one donor at a time, shaping a future where every individual, regardless of ability, is an integral part of a thriving and supportive community.
Support a Great Cause and Win Big with PREP’s 2024 World Down Syndrome Day 50/50 Raffle!
Get ready to make a difference and potentially win big with our exciting 50/50 Raffle in honor of World Down Syndrome Day! Every dollar raised goes directly towards providing essential educational and therapeutic services for children with Down syndrome in Calgary. Your support truly makes a difference!
Don’t miss your chance to win big while supporting an incredible cause. Together, let’s make a positive impact and create brighter futures for children with Down syndrome. 💙🌟
STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION
Leaping Milestones: Sarah’s Inspiring Journey of Inclusion and Progress at PREP
During a recent session, Sarah, one of our FSCD kiddos, engaged in a fun activity, jumping like a frog and lifting her weight entirely off her back feet onto her hands, following a set of hand and footprints on the floor that Fabiana (one of PREP’s amazing CSF’s) had created. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Sarah, as she hadn’t previously been able to execute this level of independent weight transfer. Furthermore, the ballet sessions are proving beneficial for Sarah’s overall physical development, encouraging her to stand on one foot—an activity that contributes to her core strength and balance. The dedicated efforts of our instructors, like Fabiana, continue to create an inclusive and empowering environment for each participant at PREP.
STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION
Everett – A Snowboarding Prodigy in the Making!
“Everett was born into a snowboarding family, so of course we got him on a board as soon as he was standing just like we did our older kids. Burton now makes a handlebar that attaches to the board so it made it easy for him to ride his own board before he was even standing independently! This is his second season and he’s really starting to get into it! In fact, he has already started to shun the boring bunny hill in favor of hitting boxes and riding the chairlift! His absolute favorite is getting to ride with his big sister Neva at Winsport or attending the amazing childcare at Sunshine Village. You can follow along on his adventures on Instagram @retty4adventure.”
STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION
Jake – Broadway here we come!
Over the past few years, Jake has caught the acting bug and relishes any chance he can get to be in the limelight. We have been incredibly fortunate to find an organization like Storybook Theater that truly believes in inclusion and sees the potential in him. This past Fall, Jake signed up for their 13 week SPOTLIGHT program for kids to be a part of their Addams Family production. After his audition, he got one of the main acting parts as Lucas, Wednesday Addams’ boyfriend. He worked incredibly hard on memorizing his lines, working on the dance choreography, and singing the songs. When it came to the final performance, he absolutely nailed it! Very proud of him and thankful for organizations like Storybook that provide these important inclusive opportunities.
DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
In the heart of PREP’s mission lies a dedication to empowering every student with the essential skill of reading, a cornerstone for lifelong learning and growth. At the forefront of this endeavor is the Reading Program, a cherished service that has become a beacon of hope and progress for students with Down syndrome in grades 1-12. Tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each individual, this program offers personalized instruction, igniting a passion for literacy and opening doors to a world of possibilities.
Central to the success of the Reading Program is the unwavering support of The Big Hearted Mavericks. Through their generosity and commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others, The Mavericks have played a pivotal role in ensuring the continued success and expansion of this vital program. Their contributions have enabled PREP to provide reading instruction to 45 children with Down syndrome, with enrollment numbers steadily increasing each year.
The impact of The Mavericks’ support reverberates far beyond the classroom walls, touching the lives of countless families and individuals within the PREP community. With every lesson, every page turned, and every milestone achieved, their generosity serves as a catalyst for transformation, instilling confidence, fostering independence, and unlocking the potential within each student.
As we celebrate the remarkable achievements made possible through The Mavericks’ support, we also look towards the future with optimism and gratitude. With their ongoing partnership, PREP continues to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where every child with Down syndrome has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. The Reading Program stands as a testament to the power of collective compassion and the extraordinary impact it can have on shaping lives and building brighter futures.
UPCOMING EVENT
PREP Golf Tournament
We are thrilled to announce The PREP Classic – Golf for Good, set to take place on June 10th at the prestigious Hampton’s Golf Club. This exciting event promises to be a day filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and support for our mission of empowering children with Down syndrome and their families. Golf enthusiasts and supporters alike are invited to join us for a round of golf on the pristine greens, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Stay tuned for more details on registration, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can be a part of this unforgettable day on the course!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – Rotary Partners of Calgary at Stampede Park
Thank you, Rotary Partners of Calgary at Stampede Park!
We’re absolutely thrilled to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers selling tickets on the “Rotary Dream Home” and the Kinsmen Millions during the Calgary Stampede. Because of your support we will be able to continue ensuring individuals with Down syndrome are active and included members of their communities. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest team member at PREP! Join us in welcoming Chris, our new Manager, Fund Development and Events. With his unique skills and passion for making a difference, we’re confident that he’ll bring fresh perspectives and valuable contributions to our team. Let’s embark on this journey together as we continue to empower and support our community!
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
Monthly Giving, Mighty Impact! Did you know you can be a superhero for The PREP Society every month? Whether it’s $5 or more, every donation matters and adds up to something extraordinary!
Consistent Support: Becoming a monthly donor means providing a steady lifeline of support. Your commitment ensures we can plan ahead, innovate, and deliver crucial services with confidence.
Expand the Reach: Even $5 a month can help us extend our reach to more families, creating a ripple effect of positive change and inclusivity in communities.
Transform Lives: Your monthly contributions directly contribute to transformative programs, helping children with Down syndrome reach new milestones and fostering a brighter future.
Join the Monthly Heroes: By becoming a monthly donor, you’re not just supporting; you’re becoming a part of our community of heroes dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Ready to make a monthly difference? Click the link below and be a part of the magic! Together, let’s create a world where every child has the support they need to thrive.