Impact Newsletter – March 2025
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! 💙💛 On March 21, we come together to celebrate inclusion, advocacy, and the incredible impact individuals with Down syndrome have on our communities. At PREP, we see that impact every single day—through the achievements of our students, the dedication of our families, and the unwavering support of our community. In this issue of The Impact Newsletter, we’re sharing inspiring stories, exciting upcoming events, and ways you can get involved in making a difference. Let’s celebrate together and continue to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome can thrive!
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Today, we come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)—a day to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and advocate for a world where individuals with Down syndrome are fully supported in reaching their potential. This year’s global theme, “Improve Our Support Systems,” encourages us to reflect on the ways we can strengthen the networks of care, education, and opportunities available to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
At PREP, we are dedicated to fostering a strong, inclusive community where every individual has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Whether it’s through education, therapy, employment opportunities, or social connections, small actions can make a big difference!
Join the Celebration & Support PREP!
To mark this special day, we’re excited to announce our World Down Syndrome Day 50/50 Draw! 🎉 Tickets will be available throughout the weekend, and the big draw will take place on March 24, 2025. It’s a fantastic way to support PREP’s mission while getting a chance to win big!
💙 Click here to get your tickets and help us create stronger, more inclusive support systems for individuals with Down syndrome.
Let’s make WDSD 2025 the best one yet! Together, we can improve support systems and change lives. 🌍💙
STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION
In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our incredible PREP students and alumni who inspire us every day with their talents, kindness, and determination. 💙
Summer (3) is a true miracle for her parents and the youngest of five! 💖 She adores her dog Elvis and loves to paint and play outside on the playground.
Antonia (5) has a big heart full of kindness! 💖 Music, singing, and dancing always put a smile on her face, and she loves helping others and getting creative with coloring and crafts.
George (8) is a sports enthusiast who lights up when he’s with his brother Lincoln. ❤️ He loves skiing, biking, swimming, and golfing — and his favorite things to do are swinging, kicking a ball around, and singing Happy Birthday!
Hannah (10) is a Disney fan through and through! 🎬🎶 She loves singing and dancing, being silly, and cheering for others. When she grows up, she dreams of becoming a performer!
Vaughn (14) is a trampoline pro — he’s great at doing backflips! 🤸♂️🏒 When he grows up, he dreams of being a hockey player! 🏒🥅
Samantha (17) is a talented young woman with a passion for synchronized swimming, singing with the Youth Singers of Calgary, dancing, art, and cosmetology! 💇♀️🎤 She’s most proud of walking into the Saddledome independently for work — what an amazing accomplishment!
Kayla (17) loves to sing and dance! 💖 She’s most proud of singing a song at her first music recital — a moment she’ll never forget.
Trenton (18) is happiest when he’s surrounded by music and people. 🎵😊 His favorite thing to do is dance and listen to music, and he’s special because he’s uniquely himself.
These students and alumni embody the heart of inclusion — showing the world that everyone deserves to shine. 🌟
DONOR HIGHLIGHT
Recognizing Pouring with a Purpose
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and supported the Pouring with a Purpose event — it was a huge success! With a fantastic turnout and an amazing atmosphere, everyone had a blast connecting, sharing laughs, and raising their glasses for a great cause. A special thank you to Vanessa, Brittany, and Ashley — we were absolutely blown away by your support and the incredible effort you put into making this event happen. Thanks to your hard work and the generosity of our community, we raised an incredible $5,780 in support of PREP! Your contributions help us continue to provide essential programs and services for kids and teens with Down syndrome. Thank you for making a meaningful difference — we couldn’t have done it without you!
UPCOMING EVENT
The PREP Classic – Golf for Good is Back!
Get ready to tee off for a great cause! The PREP Classic – Golf for Good is happening on Monday, June 9, 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited for this year’s tournament. Hosted at the beautiful Hampton’s Golf Club, this annual event brings together golf lovers, community supporters, and PREP champions for a fun-filled day on the course—all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
We are thrilled to announce that The Wood Automotive Group is joining us as our Title Sponsor! Not only are they helping to drive this event forward, but they are also sponsoring an exciting Hole-in-One Challenge—so get ready for your shot at an amazing prize!
The PREP Classic is more than just a round of golf. It’s a day of connection, camaraderie, and community support, with all funds raised going directly to PREP’s programs that empower individuals with Down syndrome. Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or volunteering, your participation helps us provide education, therapy, and life skills development to the families we serve.
Get Involved!
⛳ Register a team – Grab your clubs and sign up with friends, family, or coworkers!
🎉 Become a sponsor – There are still exciting sponsorship opportunities available!
🙌 Join the fun – Not a golfer? You can still support us by donating or volunteering.
Spots are filling up fast, so don’t wait! Visit prepsociety.ca/golf to register or learn more about how you can be part of this incredible event. Let’s golf for good! ⛳💙
WELCOMING NEW STAFF
🌟 Welcome to the PREP Team! 🌟
We are thrilled to welcome two incredible new staff members to our ECS program! June, a certified teacher, brings a wealth of experience working with individuals of all ages and abilities, and we are so excited to see the impact her expertise will have on our students. We are also welcoming Breanna, a Child Development Facilitator (CDF), whose remarkable ability to connect with children of all ages and abilities makes her a perfect fit for our team. We are so happy to have June and Breanna join the PREP family — welcome aboard!
$21 FOR 21 CAMPAIGN
Join PREP’s $21 for 21 Campaign – Make a Lasting Impact!
PREP is excited to launch our $21 for 21 campaign—an ongoing fundraiser designed to provide consistent support for individuals with Down syndrome. By donating just $21 a month, you can help sustain and grow the essential programs and services that make a difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Your monthly donation helps cover:
✅ Reading sessions to strengthen literacy skills
✅ Therapeutic services to achieve development and learning goals
✅ Subsidized rates for families who need financial assistance
✅ Life skills programs that promote independence and confidence
With your support, we can continue to empower, educate, and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. Join us today in making a lasting impact! Visit prepsociety.ca/donate to sign up. 💙
