Impact Newsletter – September 2024

As we transition into the fall season, we are excited to share the latest updates and accomplishments within our community. This month, we highlight the incredible success of one of PREP’s Alumni. We also bring you news about our expanding services for adults with Down syndrome and the latest on our upcoming Let’s Talk Hockey event. Thank you for your continued support in making these impactful moments possible!

STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION

Spotlight on Logan: From PREP Alumni to University Student and Community Leader
In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of catching up with Logan, a remarkable young man who started his journey with The PREP Society at just 8 months old. Logan’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and community, and it’s a testament to the impact that supportive environments like PREP can have on a child’s development.

Logan’s family moved away from Calgary a couple of times throughout his childhood, but they always found their way back to the city and to PREP, where Logan continued to thrive until he graduated. Today, Logan is attending Mount Royal University, where he’s enrolled in the IPSE (Inclusive Post-Secondary Education) program within the Physical Literacy faculty. His passion for health and wellness is evident, and his commitment to his studies is matched by his enthusiasm for community involvement.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Logan works as an usher at the Saddledome, where he’s become something of a local celebrity. Fans often line up just to have their tickets scanned by him, eager to share a moment and take a selfie. His warm personality and genuine kindness have made him a favorite among attendees, and his presence adds a special touch to every event.

Logan’s talents extend beyond his role at the Saddledome. As part of his Adapted Phys-Ed class at Mount Royal, he completed a practicum with Lacrossing Barriers, an organization dedicated to Adaptive & Inclusive Sports. Impressed by his skills and work ethic, they offered him a job. Logan is excited about the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful work while continuing his role at the Saddledome.

Despite his busy schedule, Logan remains committed to giving back to the community. He volunteers at both PREP and Ups and Downs, using his experiences to inspire and support others. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming and playing hockey, staying active in ways that bring him joy.
When asked about his favorite memory from his time at PREP, Logan immediately mentioned his friends. Many of these friendships have endured through the years, a testament to the strong bonds formed within the PREP community.

We are incredibly proud of Logan and all he has accomplished. His journey from a young child at PREP to a university student and community leader is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for him and know that he will continue to make a positive impact wherever he goes. Logan, thank you for sharing your story with us—we’re excited to see all the wonderful things you’ll achieve next!

DONOR HIGHLIGHT

Mode Fitness Studio’s Generosity Helps PREP Children Thrive
These past months, Mode Fitness Studio organized a special Friday spin class where participants donated $5 to support a local charity. Little did we know that this initiative would turn into a remarkable surprise for PREP! This month, Mode Fitness Studio generously gifted PREP with a donation of over $1,200!

This thoughtful contribution will have a direct and significant impact on the lives of children with Down syndrome, helping them access the resources they need to reach their full potential. We are incredibly grateful to Mode Fitness Studio for their unwavering support of our mission to foster inclusion and growth.

Thank you, Mode Fitness Studio, for riding with us on this journey of empowerment! 💙

UPCOMING EVENT

Let’s Talk Hockey Returns This November 13th!

We are thrilled to announce that PREP’s highly anticipated Let’s Talk Hockey event is making its grand return this November 13th! After a year of anticipation, we are already off to an incredible start, with several sponsors confirmed and a growing list of exciting donations that promise to make this year’s event one for the books.

Let’s Talk Hockey isn’t just another event on the calendar; it’s a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and the shared passion that brings us all together. The enthusiasm from our sponsors has been overwhelming, and their early support is a testament to the strong community bonds we’ve built over the years. With names like Calgary Flames Foundation, Daytona Homes, and HUB Insurance Brokers leading the way, we are confident that this year’s event will surpass all expectations.

We’ve also been fortunate to secure a fantastic selection of donations that will add even more excitement to the evening. From exclusive sports memorabilia to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, our auction and raffle items are sure to draw the attention of hockey fans and supporters alike. Whether you’re a die-hard fan looking to add to your collection or simply looking for a unique gift, the offerings this year are sure to impress.

But Let’s Talk Hockey is about more than just the game; it’s about bringing people together to support a cause that touches us all. The funds raised during this event directly support PREP’s programs and services, helping us continue our mission of empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Each donation, sponsorship, and ticket purchase contributes to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

As the excitement builds, we can’t wait to see everyone come together on November 13th for a night filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and, of course, hockey. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, this event promises to deliver memorable moments and a powerful impact.

So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to join us for what’s shaping up to be the best Let’s Talk Hockey event yet. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in the excitement as we celebrate our shared love for hockey and our commitment to making a difference.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the big day, and be sure to check our website and social media channels for the latest news on sponsors, donations, and how you can get involved. Let’s make this year’s Let’s Talk Hockey an unforgettable experience!

EXPANDING SERVICES