Posts Tagged ‘donations’
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Summer Picnic at KIG
Last week, Kuldeep from the Kids in General Child Development Centre, which is located near the Vancouver General Hospital main building, invited me to attend their Annual Summer Picnic. Every year, I try to attend as many of these picnics as possible so I can experience the environment of each of our Child Development Centres, and as well, meet some parents and children who attend the centres. It’s a great way for me to see what age group belongs in which centre, the location, the friendliness of the staff, and of course, which families bring the best food
It’s interesting, cause every single picnic always has a great selection of food, and unique entertainment. At Kids in General, one of the staff played on her guitar and sang children’s songs to the kids. They were running about, but every time the chorus hit, they couldn’t help but sing along or dance to the rhythm.
As usual, the facepainting section was extremely popular, with a line up that never really quite seemed to get shorter.
Thanks to Kuldeep and the Staff at Kids in General for making it another wonderful Summer Picnic for me to enjoy!
If you’re interested in any of our Child Development Centres, please visit www.develop.bc.ca for more information!And if you don’t already know, the Vancouver Blogathon is happening August 21st. This year, Victor and I will once again be participating to raise funds for DDA! If you’re interested in showing your support or making a pledge please contact Victor at vtang@develop.bc.ca for more information. Keep checking back for our 24-hours of straight blogging in just a few weeks’ time. Stay tuned.
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Good Riddance, Indeed
Every once in a while, we love to blog about organizations and people who support DDA!This time, we’re featuring Good Riddance. I met Susan and Heather a few months ago, and they are two super friendly gals who have really helped with spreading the word about clothing and item donations to DDA.
Anyway, here’s a little blurb about what they do:
Good Riddance Professional Organizing Solutions has been helping people for over five years to manage the struggle they have with clutter that they are unable to handle on their own. Their Practically Daughters downsizing and relocation service specializes in assisting older adults who are moving to retirement communities or making their homes safer as they age in place.
If you’d like more info, please call them at 604 421 5952 or email goodriddance@shaw.ca. Also be sure to check out their website at www.goodriddance.ca!
If you’d like more information on how you can donate clothing and items to DDA, visit our website at www.develop.bc.ca!
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Volunteering and Getting Involved With Non-Profits
Many people, especially during the less busy summer seasons, start looking for volunteer opportunities to engage in community philanthropy. There are many opportunities in our local community to really make a difference, and volunteering is one of those ways. Here are a few of my own personal experiences, and areas where you can have the opportunity to effect positive change in your community and in the lives of those in it:
- Parade volunteers: The DDA is always looking for volunteers to help out at various parades we partake in throughout the summer. It’s an easy opportunity to not only get to know our staff and clients better, but also to help our non-profit (and maybe even get a future reference on your resume). We’re always looking for volunteers, and would love to keep your name on file even if we don’t have an opening at the moment. You can contact vtang@develop.bc.ca for more information.
- Union Gospel Mission: One of my favourite charities to volunteer for is the UGM. There are a lot of opportunities for individual, group, and even corporate volunteering. I’ve previously served at a UGM Soup Kitchen, and have also done fundraising there – both rewarding experiences.
- Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver (and Big Sisters): I’ve had the privilege of offering 2 hours every week or two (for the past year), to spend time with my little brother, a friendly and enthusiastic kid that’s really impacted my life; the same way I hope to have positively impacted his life. This is an opportunity to be a friend and mentor, and to make a difference in the life of someone who needs it.
Other easy ways to get involved can include a simple clothing drive to raise money for a worthwhile cause through our Cash 4 Clothes program, or donating clothes, housewares and bottles through our pickup service or through our bins.
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Shopping For Charity: DDA Garage Sale
The Developmental Disabilities Association is having a furniture garage sale this coming Saturday. There are 100′s of pieces of furniture to choose from including:
- Sofas
- Book Shelves
- Chairs
- Medical Furniture
- Dressers
- Exercise Equipment
- Kids Equipment
- And much more!
This sale is for one day only and there are no earlybirds. DDA will also be accepting donations of clothing, housewares, cand and bottles during the sale. 100% of all proceeds go directly to funding programs for people with developmental disabilities.
Details
Date: Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: DDA Donation Station - 2643 No. 5 Rd, Richmond BC
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Blogathon: Respitality
Guest Blog: This blog entry was contributed by the Developmental Disabilities Association’s Assistant Director of Family Support Services, Terry Schenkel. I’ll also touch up a bit more on Respitality on my next Blogathon post.
This week I invested some time into speaking with the general managers of local hotels about DDA’s respitality program. The respitality program has operated for nearly seven years. It was created to offer parents a complimentary night stay at a local hotel with the hope they get some relaxation and needed sleep. To be eligible, parents must have a child with a developmental disability and a connection with DDA’s services and supports. Fifty families are currently registered in the program and last year more than ten free nights were given out to families in need.
The program operates with the gracious contributions of corporate partners, many of whom have contributed for years. We thank them for their participation and help. Many times a family emails me after their experience with a letter of heartfelt thanks. Parents have said: “it was the first time in months I slept undisturbed for an entire night”, “it was the first time me and my husband went out for dinner, a walk and came back to watch movies on TV”, “it was first time in years that an hour in the tub was possible”. Who would think that just one complimentary night stay at a hotel would be so beneficial to a mom and dad? But small things are so important.
So far, even with the Olympics, I received an immediate “yes, we will contribute to this valuable opportunity” from several local hotel general managers and sales staff. We’re hoping to expand the program and offer more opportunities to parents so they can have a mini break from the daily care of their children with special needs.
Always on the lookout for contributions.
Links & Resources
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