L-R: Rebecca Tucker, client support assistant at KidsAbility; Jordan Tucker, former KidsAbility client; Harry Pickett, executive vice president & chief information officer at Co-operators; Sarah Witmer, senior development manager at KidsAbility; and Taryn Power, development officer for community engagement at KidsAbility
Co-operators has donated $185,000 to KidsAbility following its annual charity golf tournament at the Glencairn Golf Club. Over a hundred partners, vendors, and employees took part in the fundraising event.
With the support of nearly 400 staff members, KidsAbility provides services to more than 17,000 children and youth with disabilities across Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington each year.
The organization offers assessments, diagnoses, clinical treatments, specialized programs, rehabilitative therapies, and resources to help children achieve their communication, physical, social, and behavioural goals. The mission of KidsAbility is to empower each child to reach their full potential.
“The incredible services that KidsAbility provides to children, youth, and caregivers in our community is outstanding, and we were thrilled to be able to support them through our tournament this year,” said Kristina Gilley, chair of the Co-operators charity golf tournament volunteer committee.
“Our volunteer committee works tirelessly year after year to support local organizations where we can make a significant impact, and this year was no exception.”
Lisa Talbot, executive director of KidsAbility Foundation, commented: “We are so appreciative to be this year’s beneficiary of the Co-operators charity golf tournament.
“The generous support received from Co-operators will help fund both our Entry to School Program, which is a six-month group-based program for young children with autism spectrum disorder entering school for the first time, as well as our Launch Groups, which is a new initiative aimed to enhance the service delivery experience for families.”
Talbot said they were overwhelmed by both the generosity of the sponsors and the volunteer committee’s dedication.
In 2023, KidsAbility conducted over 90,000 client visits across all locations. Established in 1957 by Rotary, the organization serves youth from birth to age 21, regardless of diagnosis.
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