This week our hearts go out to the family, friends and caregivers for the loss of Parker who was found in the Calgary area after an extensive search by Calgary Police and Search and Rescue Services. We applaud the movement for greater supports for the changes to improve the emergency alert protocols that could assist for greater and more immediate awareness of the loss of a missing child or vulnerable person.
I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and opportunities for family fun that summer brings. Our summer daycamps are having a great time at the Meadows Recreation Centre, and will be returning to both the ACT Centre and the Meadows next week for Fairytales and Fantasy Week. Check it out later in the newsletter, and enjoy the photos on our Summer Programming page
I would also like to share the latest webinar offered by our partners, Global Down Syndrome Foundation. EDSS members may register using the EDSS membership information for a free registration.
Here is their next webinar offering August 5th:
Join GLOBAL, Dr. Noemi Spinazzi, and self-advocate, David Egan, for an important webinar that will cover:
- Key medical and developmental factors to be aware of that can impact a child’s ability to communicate in the early years
- The right questions families need to ask their pediatrician to properly monitor their child’s development
- Simple strategies for families to support language development in the home
Noemi Spinazzi, MD
Noemi Spinazzi, MD is a pediatrician in the Special Needs Primary Care practice and the director of the Down Syndrome Center of Excellence at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She was previously the medical director of Charlie’s Clinic, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Down syndrome program. Dr. Spinazzi has participated in multiple research endeavors focused on Down syndrome, developmental disabilities and equitable care.
You will have the opportunity to view the presentation and listen live as Dr. Spinazzi provides key information and answers your questions. Register today!
Just a reminder that today July 31st is your last chance to purchase Uniquely Me tickets at the Early Bird Price, and be entered to win a free draw prize. Draw will take place on August 4th based on all tickets purchased by the end of the day today.
Updates
Our Uniquely Me “Goes West” committee is making good progress, and we invite you to get your group’s tickets and enjoy the early bird savings before July 31st. See the message in the newsletter to purchase your tickets now. We also would like to invite you to consider making a donation to our “Wine and Booze Tree”. This western style auction item will feature all the beer, wine and spirts you can imagine, and if you have a bottle you would like to donate, please drop it off at EDSS before September 1. Also if you have gift cards you can’t use, you may also wish to donate these for a special raffle we are planning. Our Chair, Adele Olson has been adding new and refreshing ideas to make this year a great event! We are also pleased to share that Tanya Ponich has also rejoined our event planning committee and we are so thankful to have her with us once again.
Don’t miss your opportunity to receive a free offer for amazing savings up to 70% off from our partners with the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation for a SportChek VIP Promotion coming soon for EDSS members. To be eligible, we will need all EDSS members to be active for 2026 by July 31 by paying your 2026 membership invoice. Please contact us here: contact@edss.ca to learn more.
Upcoming Casino Volunteers Needed
We are thankful to volunteer Casino Chairperson Rick Grebenstein, who will lead our next casino fundraiser on September 22–23 at Grand Villa Casino.
Please watch for the volunteer call in this newsletter and consider signing up to support this important fundraiser. Be sure to mark the dates in your calendar!
| This week I had the pleasure of receiving our donation from the Rotary Club of Edmonton Sunrise. With this donation, every participant in our summer camp will benefit as this $5,000 gift will help us reduce fees by $50 this year. Read more about our 2 new locations both north and south, our amazing themes and field trip plans for summer camp further in the newsletter. |  |
Did you know?
Through the Eye See…Eye Learn program, children in kindergarten are eligible to receive free glasses and frames. Be sure to ask your optometrist about it!
