Thank you to all who came out to support the Walk for Down Syndrome on Sunday. We had over 400 attendees including 351 registered walkers which was up from last year at 239. Thank you to all the partners and individuals who helped raise funds for us to reach our goal. You can see here all the top fundraisers, teams, and individuals. Congratulations to all the prize winners. Congratulations to Patrick Twinn who was both the top fundraiser and he won the grand prize draw for a trip for two from Air Canada Foundation. Thank you to Patrick Bussieres and Elia Damis who were our two parent volunteers on our committee. We are looking for more support for next year, and so please let us know if you are interested in joining our committee in the fall.
We launched the 30th Anniversary 50/50 at the Walk so purchase your ticket here to win $10,000 and help support your EDSS! Get your tickets early as the Draw date is July 6th.
Calling all Self-Advocates: We want to hear from you. EDSS has an opportunity to be represented with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society on a new committee for self-advocates. If you are interested in learning more about this role, please reach out to me by email at janet@edss.ca. There will be an information session to learn more, so please indicate your interest in getting involved in this initiative.
CDSS has released part 1 of their video series titled: Unified Voices. (English CC is available) This is a new documentary film exploring the lives of Canadians with Down syndrome like never before, taking you across this vast country to tell the stories of our community. This federally funded film in celebration of National AccessAbility Week highlights the diverse voices within the Down syndrome community. In Part 1, director Moses Latigo Odida begins the story by introducing us to three Canadians and their unique challenges and triumphs with education, employment, and social inclusion.
How can we make healthcare fairer for people with intellectual disabilities?
Join the Down Syndrome International global webinar to hear real stories and practical solutions from people with intellectual disabilities and their families around the world.
Reminders
A huge thank you goes out to Mark and Dennis Johnson and their entire team from the Weiss-Johnson group for their amazing support for making the 13th annual Weiss-Johnson Golf Classic on Tuesday. We had a sold out tournament and raised approximately $20,000 for EDSS. This now exceeds $260,000 total contributions from this annual event!
Thank you so much!
You can check out our photos here
We are pleased to invite you to join us for the 30th Anniversary event and for our voting members you are invited to the AGM. Please read further for more details as your registration is required for both events.
Register for the 30th Anniversary event here.
Register for the AGM by emailing contact@edss.ca
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with the City of Edmonton that allows us to host our 2025 Summer Programs at the beautiful Meadows Community Recreation Centre!
In addition to being FSCD-approved for summer program respite hours, we’ll be bringing our dedicated program staff and volunteers to this fantastic new location. We’ll have exclusive access to a private space just for our participants and program supplies—plus full use of the facility’s gym, pool, and outdoor areas for daily activities and offsite fun.
Each week of camp will feature a unique and exciting theme, starting with our first week: July 7–11, which will be our kickoff week at the Meadows Recreation Centre.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait—Click here to register now.
FSCD billing available with an eligible contract. Don't wait...Please contact Julie to ensure you qualify or to learn how to apply for this benefit.
New: We are planning a year end wrap-up field trip to the Telus World of Science.
To be eligible for a complimentary full day field trip, participant will have to have completed 2 full-day weeks of summer program through the summer.
We’re Hiring: Summer Program Staff
We’re looking to hire three new team members for our Summer Program Camp!
If you know someone aged 15–30 with experience working with children with disabilities, please send them our way.
Learn more and apply here: edss.ca/careers
Join Our Team: Fund Development Manager
We’re also hiring a Fund Development Manager to help grow and sustain our vital work.
Learn more and apply here: edss.ca/careers
30th Anniversary
We are working on a history photobook and we would love to feature your family!
Whatever your journey has been, I would like to invite you to share with us a bit about your experiences – sharing your favorite memories and your family photos – both “then” and “now”. If you have a baby/toddler photo and then a current family photo that would be great to include in our 30th Anniversary photo album project.
We are very thankful for all of the families that have shared with us, we would love to include your family as well...
Please share your memories and photos with us at guest@edss.ca as soon as possible.