Rising
Challenge

2019-2020 Annual Report

Message from Board Chair Catherine Sherrard and President & CEO Len Baker

Rising to the challenge is in the DNA of March of Dimes Canada and everyone we serve.

People living with disabilities rise to the challenge every single day. For many, it is learning to adjust to life with a disability. Others must cope with isolation and loneliness. All, however, continue to address the stigma and barriers still much too prevalent in our society.

Our employees rise to the challenge to provide care, skills development, compassion and connection when they’re needed most.

Our donors, volunteers and supporters rise to the challenge, giving selflessly to pave the way for remarkable change.

This was a year of innovation and growth for March of Dimes Canada as we continued to strengthen our organization and its programs, services and systems. We placed a new emphasis on collaboration – inside our organization and outside in the communities we touch. We are committed to listening and learning. We value creativity and innovation.

When we began this year, we could never have predicted where it would take us. We couldn’t possibly have known the serious threat a global pandemic would pose to every part of what we do, and we couldn’t have anticipated the changes we would have to make to react and protect our community. But, because of all the innovations we had introduced throughout the year, we were well positioned to rise to the challenge. As we said, it’s in our DNA.

We have an incredible story captured in this report, that celebrates the lives of Canadians who turn to us for support.

Today, March of Dimes Canada is a strong, growing and compassionate force for good in communities across Canada – and that matters for people living with disabilities in our country. Together, we’ll keep rising to the challenges ahead.

Our Mission

To maximize the independence, personal empowerment and community participation of people with physical disabilities.

"They make me feel like I’m the same person I’ve always been.”

Meet Carolina Floyd

Sebastian describes his mother, Carolina Floyd, as brave and strong and funny – qualities that she needed in her last three years as she dealt with the challenges of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Carolina and her family contacted March of Dimes Canada’s Community Support Services. They needed support with Carolina’s personal care as her condition progressed and daily tasks became more difficult; what they got was peace of mind.

Community Support Services

6,147 people served

1,344 staff providing care and connection

433 volunteers

Providing Hands-on Help for Independent Living

Through our growing network of Community Support Services, we provide essential services, enabling people through individualized care to live as independently as possible. Whether the disability is physical, mental or the result of brain injury or aging, we assist clients in their homes and communities, helping them gain a greater level of functioning and connection with others.

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

Embracing a new model of care in Ontario
In 2019, the province of Ontario announced the restructuring of its health system, introducing a new model of care that brings together healthcare and community support providers in local teams to foster a more coordinated, effective and person-centred approach to service delivery. To ensure our community’s needs are prominently considered in the transition process, we began to work with multiple Ontario Health Teams, as well as with sub-groups specializing in physical disability, brain injury and frail seniors. As the process continues to evolve, we look forward to informing and playing a key role in the implementation of this new model of care.
Read more

Expanding our impact in the GTA
As a recognized leader in providing attendant care services for people with disabilities, we were proud to expand our services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through the transfer of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario’s Outreach Attendant Services to March of Dimes Canada. This transfer in March 2020 was the largest-ever inter-agency transfer of these services in Ontario, representing more than 110 consumers and $4.6 million in annual funding. With the professionalism and consumer focus of both agencies, the transition was seamless for our consumers – even amidst the looming threat of COVID-19.
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Launching new services for Manitobans
At the heart of our mission is the desire to effectively serve more Canadians with disabilities. To demonstrate that commitment, we prepared for the delivery of adult residential services for people in Manitoba living in their own homes or in integrated apartment and group living models. Services include rehabilitation/life skills training, personal care, homemaking and case management for people with a wide range of physical disabilities and brain injury. This marks the first time we’ve provided our Community Support Services in Manitoba.
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Providing culturally inclusive care
We formalized our partnership with Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle to fund a full-time Indigenous Independent Living Care Worker. The program merges our traditional Independent Living Resource Worker and Support Services Attendant roles into a single combined role, enabling us to provide culturally sensitive care and support for older Indigenous adults in underserved communities. We plan to expand this service into other Indigenous communities in the future.
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“I’m providing hope...that there is life after stroke.”

Meet Lara Kaufman

Ten years ago, Lara Kaufman was on a ski trip with her husband and three young kids when she was seriously injured. Her right carotid artery was dissected, causing a massive stroke that paralyzed the left side of her body. She was only 41 years old at the time.

Today, Lara has found her new normal and thinks of herself as a stroke survivor rather than victim. She shares this positive attitude as a volunteer with MODC's After Stroke Hospital Visitation Program that connects people who have had a stroke in the past with recent stroke survivors still in hospital to give information and inspiration.

After Stroke

33,373 people served by Community Programs and After Stroke

22,088 served by Community Programs

11,285 served by After Stroke and Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia

26 stroke groups operating in Ontario

27 stroke recovery programs operating in B.C.

Connecting to Hope, Humanity and Life

To enhance quality of life for children, youth, adults and seniors who have disabilities and brain injuries, as well as their caregivers, March of Dimes Canada offers a host of community-based programs, including our evolving After Stroke program. Tailored to the needs of each person, our programs provide information, practical assistance, skill development, peer support, social/recreational opportunities, resources and even funding for accessibility aids.

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

Transforming life after stroke
With over 62,000 people experiencing strokes each year, stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in Canada¹. Canada has not provided well for stroke survivors’ post-hospital needs – many say they feel abandoned and alone once discharged from the acute care hospital, with no clear path to follow. That’s why we developed a new After Stroke strategic framework, approved by the March of Dimes Canada Board of Directors in March 2020. This new framework will help ensure that stroke survivors nationwide receive accurate and timely information, access to programs and devices to support their daily living needs, individual and group support, and access to a community of people who understand the experience of life after stroke.

1 (Dis)connected. How unseen links are putting us at risk. 2019 Report on Heart, Stroke and Vascular Cognitive Impairment. Heart & Stroke. Retrieved from: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/-/media/pdf-files/canada/2019-report/heartandstrokereport2019.ashx?
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Living LIFE to the fullest
The Learning Independence for Future Empowerment (LIFE) program provides skills and hands-on opportunities for growth and development to young people with disabilities who are preparing to enter adulthood. This year, we partnered with companies and community organizations to offer rich experiences including interactive workshops with Peel Art Gallery, events with groups including Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, technology discovery sessions with Microsoft and a field trip to the Legislature Building at Queen’s Park. We also held a two-week pilot program for LIFE in Vancouver as we plan our expansion in the west.
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Serving those with aphasia and communication disabilities
Caused by damage to the language area of the brain, aphasia makes communicating difficult and is experienced by one in three people who have had a stroke. This program is now ISO certified, ensuring a consistent, high quality consumer experience and standardized operational programming across the country. This year, we supported over 350 people living with aphasia though our services, groups and camps.

BC Aphasia Camp 2019
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Receiving therapy through dramatic self-expression
Our Personal Effectiveness Training program, a partnership with Brain Injury Community ReEntry, provides structured activities promoting the development of social, cognitive, physical and emotional skills for 35 people with disabilities and/or brain injury. Seven participants took part in a five-part drama workshop with Brock University Drama Department and other partners. The workshop was held in preparation for two public shows of an improvisational performance art experience adapted for people with disabilities.
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“I want to take on more responsibility … This will be good for my future.”

Meet Quincy Odutayo

For a long time, Quincy Odutayo had trouble finding work. “It was difficult,” he says. “I get nervous in interviews, and a lot of people thought I wouldn’t be a good employee.”

Fortunately, someone told him about March of Dimes Canada’s Employment Services. Quincy reached out and got the support he needed to find and succeed in his new job as a buggies attendant at Longo’s.

Employment Services

19,256 people served by Employment Services

5,972 assessments completed

1,781 of employees placed in jobs

Over 4,000 employers

275 staff supporting clients coast-to-coast

Opening Doors to Rewarding Employment

March of Dimes Canada’s Employment Services exist to ensure that people with disabilities succeed in reaching their employment goals. We are Canada’s leader in connecting people who have disabilities with employers seeking qualified candidates for jobs. We provide the highest quality service delivery in our sector because of the depth of our understanding, our extensive scope and reach and our advanced infrastructure and resources.

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

Mentoring people to gain exposure
MentorAbility is a Canada-wide initiative operated by CASE (Canadian Association of Supported Employment). The program offers a unique mentoring experience in which job seekers with disabilities are matched with individual mentors (employers or business leaders) – to explore different career pathways and opportunities in their desired field of interest. We participate in the program in partnership with ODEN (Ontario Disability Employment Network). Together, we represent the Ontario hub. We matched 38 people with mentors that included a police constable, a paralegal and a professional small animal groomer. Each mentor spent time and gave feedback, helping people with disabilities develop their career goals.
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Building new relationships and opportunities
The Amazon Alternative Workforce Supplier Program is designed to accommodate people living with disabilities, or who face other barriers to employment. Amazon works with alternative workforce suppliers, including March of Dimes Canada, to match people with the right jobs and support transitioning into the Amazon workplace. Since winning this contract in June 2019, we have placed 48 associates in Amazon warehouse jobs. We’ve also collaborated with 25 other employment service providers to place their clients living with disabilities in the same Amazon facility.

MODC Employment Services client working at Basic Packaging in Mississauga.
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“Now I have a voice everywhere I go. …There are no limits!”

Meet Bradley Heaven

Like most young people, Brad Heaven is comfortable with technology. He uses it to do schoolwork, play video games, and connect with family and friends. But it’s more than entertainment or a tool for Brad. Technology is how he interacts with the world.

Brad was born with non-verbal, spastic cerebral palsy. He communicates with eye movements and gestures rather than speech, which is a challenge. Thanks to March of Dimes Canada, he now has a laptop with an eye tracker attached to his wheelchair - and its impact on Brad and the people he connects with is profound.

Leveling the Playing Field Through Technology

Assistive aids and devices make it possible for many people with disabilities to continue to live in their own homes in a safe, affordable and secure environment. For others, they can open up a life of isolation, allowing the freedom to venture into the community and the ability to connect and communicate with others. We are proud to be harnessing the power of technology for the good of people with disabilities nationwide.

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

Improving quality of life with mobility and assistive equipment
Based on the numbers, 2019/20 was a high impact year for our programs providing mobility and assistive equipment for people living with disabilities. Our Assistive Devices Program, supported by donors, United Way and other community agencies, purchased devices for over 4,000 people. Meanwhile, the expert volunteers in our DesignAbility program invented and created 120 custom accessibility aids and began developing their skills to use our new 3D printer that will enable production of large quantities of assistive devices.
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Building technology skills for youth
Our Learning Independence for Future Empowerment (LIFE) program partnered with Microsoft to run a series of workshops exposing participants to new technologies with an emphasis on life skills and independence. The workshops included using OneNote and its accessibility features, Paint 3D, Immersion Reader and inclusive games of Disney Trivia. Our partnership with Microsoft positions us well to increase our use of technology to enhance our programs and address rural barriers.
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Changing lives through home and vehicle modifications
In 2019/20, our Home and Vehicle Modification Program, which is solely funded by the government of Ontario, provided funding for 905 small construction projects and vehicle modifications. This enabled children and adults to continue living safely in their homes, avoid job loss and participate in their communities. Projects included installing safety ramps and chair lifts, widening doorways to allow for wheelchairs and adapting bathrooms to ensure safe bathing.

Unfortunately, 66% of applications had to be denied because funding has not kept pace with demand. When projects like these are not funded, people with disabilities – many of whom live in poverty – have few options. For some, it results in a more isolated life since getting out of the house or apartment isn’t possible. For others, it means losing their jobs, continuing to live in unsafe homes or possibly moving into long-term care. To rise to the challenge and expand the reach of the program, we have initiated a strategy to conduct research on the program’s life-changing impacts, in order to build an evidence-based case for further government investment.

Home and Vehicle Modication Program staff celebrating their Zero Project Award for improving the lives of people with disabilities.
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“We felt  welcomed from our first meeting.”

Meet Anita Lam

In December of 2014, Anita Lam's husband, Thomas, fell three times. That's when she took him to a neurologist. Imaging revealed that he'd probably had several transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, which are small strokes.

After that, Anita became Thomas' full-time caregiver. "I have to be there all the time," she says. "Even when he goes to the bathroom. It's a lot of pressure." Fortunately, they found the Strathcona Stroke Recovery Group (run by the Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia, which is an affiliate of March of Dimes Canada's After Stroke program).

"Thomas was very mobile before. Now he tires easily and gets frequent headaches. He shuffles when he walks, and has trouble supporting his upper body, which makes him unsteady. He occasionally chokes on food and liquid, his movement is limited, and he needs a wheelchair when we go out. He tries to walk at home, which is good, but there’s always the risk he’ll fall.”

That’s Anita’s greatest fear and biggest challenge. It means she can’t ever leave Thomas alone. She squeezes chores and errands into the 45 minutes he spends napping each day, or when personal support workers come to wash him and do his exercises. The only other time she gets to herself is after Thomas goes to bed at around 11 p.m. By then, she’s exhausted.

That’s why the Strathcona Stroke Recovery Group has been so crucial.

“We felt welcomed from our first meeting,” Anita recalls. “Most of the members are from Hong Kong, too, and they speak Cantonese so it was easy to connect.”

Anita describes everyone at the meetings – survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and coordinators – as caring and concerned. She and Thomas both get a lot out of attending.

“He’s happier because he doesn’t feel alone anymore,” she says. “And I have other caregivers and people to talk to. I get to release some of my anxiety.”

The group is also a practical resource. A nutritionist and a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine were recent guest speakers, and Thomas is more willing to do his exercises there than he is at home, which gives Anita some comfort.

Anita counts herself lucky to have the stroke recovery group and personal support workers’ help. But she still struggles.

Anita encourages other caregivers not to give up, to seek help, and to remember they aren’t alone. There are supports available.

“Being a caregiver is hard, particularly when it’s someone with mobility issues,” she says. “Health officials need to hear that and provide more help.

Anita and Thomas looking at each other

Supporting Caregivers in their Challenging Roles

Most people don’t plan to be a caregiver. It happens in a life filled up with other things. A loved one’s illness or disability changes everything – daily actions, beliefs, hopes, expectations and connections to others. It’s a role that can be exhausting, and far too many people do it alone. We’re committed to being there for caregivers and families, providing information, programs and social and community connections to ease the experience.

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

Creating a community of caregiver support
With funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we launched the Caregiver Project – an initiative to educate, inspire and connect people who are caring for a loved one after a stroke or chronic illness. Five live events attracted 351 caregivers. As well, four Caregiver Talks, multiple support sessions and an in-person conference brought together caregivers, experts and advocates to share their lived experiences and exchange ideas. With the advent of the pandemic, we shifted the program toward online webinars and sessions, ensuring continued support for caregivers as they navigate the challenges of their role at an especially difficult time.
Read more

Providing recreation, relaxation and respite for couples
For the first time last fall, we offered a Couples Retreat on Lake Couchiching, Ontario. The retreat was attended by five couples who took advantage of this opportunity to be away as a couple and be supported with attendant care that gave the caregivers a break. The couples participated in activities at the waterfront, tried out yoga for couples and enjoyed a couples’ session with a behavioural consultant. Friendships were started that are continuing today.

Couples Retreat participants at Lake Couchiching, Ontario.
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Caring for Givers
Caring for the Giver, a small pilot project operating in the Waterloo Wellington region of Ontario, delivers peer mentoring to caregivers and families during the first crucial months after a stroke, when transitioning from hospital to home. Through a series of in-hospital training sessions, volunteers who have been caregivers in the past, help new caregivers understand what to expect, educate about home care, validate their feelings and provide hope. Early results give us encouragement that the program will help lower hospital re-admissions, increase community re-engagement for stroke survivors and measurably reduce negative mental and physical health impacts on caregivers.
Read more

The pandemic posed multiple threats to people living with disabilities.

Rising to the Challenge of a Global Pandemic

In March 2020, the last month of our fiscal year, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, had made its way around the world, causing illness and death and threatening the capacity of healthcare systems to cope.

The pandemic posed multiple threats to people with disabilities. Health and safety had to be protected through stringent physical distancing. But that distancing also created a crisis of isolation and destabilized the programs, services and support networks relied upon every day by this community of people.

Responding to this crisis, we took swift and decisive action to protect the people we serve, as well as our employees and volunteers.

Among these measures, we:

Introduced rigorous health and safety practices so our frontline staff could continue to provide essential services to our clients in their private homes, supportive housing and congregate living settings – putting themselves at personal risk because that’s what frontline workers do.
Successfully developed a robust procurement pipeline to ensure adequate Personal Protective Equipment for all ongoing service delivery.
Adapted many of our in-person employment, community and After Stroke programs to be offered virtually – online using technologies like Zoom, and over the telephone – ensuring people would continue to have access to care and connection in this isolating time.
Joined in sector-based advocacy to ensure federal and provincial pandemic response plans would reflect and include the needs of the disability community.
Began planning and implementing our Conquer the Curve emergency campaign, to raise awareness of the needs of people living with disabilities during the pandemic, as well as vital funds for additional online program delivery at a time of economic upheaval.

We acknowledge with deep gratitude the courage, resilience and perseverance shown by management teams, employees and volunteers in every part of our organization. Our teams came together as one. Changes we had made throughout the year to modernize our systems, break down silos and improve our agility were put to the test, and we rose to the challenge. Through their efforts, we have been successful in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in our work and care environments.

As it progresses, the pandemic continues to present new challenges to March of Dimes Canada and our community. With optimism, creativity and a commitment to service, we’ll continue to rise to those challenges and empower people with disabilities to do the same.

Our Financial Performance

March of Dimes Canada had another successful year in 2019/20, finishing in an essentially balanced financial position despite the economic impact of COVID-19 in the final quarter.

2019-2020

Operating Revenues

Government grants

Fees

Philanthropy and non-government grants

Investment and other income

Program recovery

2019-2020
Operating Expenses

Program expenses
orange dot

Philanthropy
yellow dot

Administration
dark grey dot

Amortization

For March of Dimes Canada’s complete audited financial statements for 2019/20, visit www.marchofdimes.ca/financials

Thanking our Supporters

Many of our Programs can only be offered because of the generosity of a wide community of supporters. From our volunteers who give their talent and time, to our donors who give financially, we extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who helps March of Dimes Canada connect with the people we serve and make a difference in their lives.

Donor Spotlight

The Right Honourable Paul Martin Jr.

Rt-Hon Paul Martin Jr presenting award

Former Prime Minister Paul Martin has been a generous donor to March of Dimes Canada for many years.

Over the years, Mr. Martin has donated a total of $206,000. Last year, he donated $20,000 dollars to the Early Career Professorship and our Ability and Beyond Gala. We are grateful for his continued generosity and commitment to supporting our work.

The Professorship was named for Mr. Martin’s father, Paul Martin Sr., who spearheaded Canada’s first universal vaccination program in the 1950s as federal Minister of National Health and Welfare.

Through his corporation, he supports the Right Honourable Paul Martin Biomedical and Rehabilitation Research Endowment Fund, which funds the March of Dimes Paul J.J. Martin Early Career Professorship at the University of Toronto.

Jane Jackson

Jane Jackson and Kate Linder

Thank goodness Jane Jackson is a fan of The Young and the Restless (Y&R) – the famous TV soap. That’s what brought her to March of Dimes Canada in 2018.

As she learned more about what we do, Jane realized March of Dimes Canada is a good fit for her. She believes in our mission: to maximize the independence, personal empowerment and community participation of people with disabilities.

We hold a series of tea events every year, called OpportuniTea with Kate Linder, where fans of the show can meet the actors by buying tickets. Jane had read about March of Dimes Canada before, but it was her fondness for Y&R that caused her to buy her first OpportuniTea ticket in 2018. She decided to go all the way and buy a premium ticket for an intimate “meet the stars” dinner. Before long, she had decided to donate $20,000 and now she does that every year – whether she can get to the tea events, or not.

March of Dimes Canada is just one of the not-for-profit organizations that Jane supports. She is carrying on her parents’ belief in philanthropy, but she felt it was important to find the organizations that matter most to her.

“I’m retired and I just want to help other people,” she says.

As she learned more about what we do, Jane realized March of Dimes Canada is a good fit for her. She believes in our mission: to maximize the independence, personal empowerment and community participation of people with disabilities.

Jane came close to having a disability, herself. Having experienced damage to her vocal cords because of cancer surgery, she underwent a tracheotomy in 2014. She knows it makes her vulnerable, but she has refused to let it stop her from enjoying life.

“I’m blessed. I’m able to talk. ” she laughs. “I could feel sorry for myself, or I could keep a positive attitude and do what I can to help others who are less fortunate. So that’s what I do.”

icon hand out with coin above

Donors & Partners

Jonas Salk Circle of Friends ($100,000 - $1,000,000+)

The Jonas Salk Circle of Friends commemorates Dr. Jonas Salk's life-saving and humanitarian work in the development of the first polio vaccine and recognizes the contribution of our exceptional donors.

Jonas Salk Circle of Friends
- Visionary ($1,000,000+ )

TD Bank Financial Group
Estate of Joseph, Janet and Ruby Youdell
The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Jonas Salk Circle of Friends
- Discoverer ($500,000 - $999,999)

Transamerica Life Canada

Jonas Salk Circle of Friends
- Pioneer ($100,000 - $499,999 )

Individuals:

Anne-Marie Canning
Alexander Christ
Dr. David Collins
Agnes Faraci
Dr. Sydney L. Gershon (deceased)
Dr. Frank Mastrogiacomo
The Strahan Family
The Toby Family

Bequests:

Estate of Alexander J. Morris
Estate of Bernard Mandell
Estate of Donald Alexander Cromar
Estate of Doris Goodwin
Estate of Dr. Ed and Bobby Yielding
Estate of Hazel Mae Schwerdtfeger
Estate of Henry Daniel Statham
Estate of Isabel Margaret McDowell
Estate of John Haas
Estate of Margaret St. John
Estate of Mary Wanda Brown
Estate of Peter Collins
Estate of Vera M. Campbell
Estate of Vera Mellisa Fleming

Corporate:

Allergan Inc.
Bank of Nova Scotia
Bell Canada
BMO Bank of Montreal
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
CitiFinancial Canada Inc.
Dentons Canada LLP
Greenshield Canada
Gestion Horizon Capital Holdings Inc
Liquor Control Board of Ontario
Princess of Wales Own Regiment
RBC Royal Bank
Sanofi Aventis/Sanofi Pasteur
Scotiabank
Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Home Health Care
The Family of the Right Honourable Paul Martin

Foundations:

Bishop Alexander Carter Foundation
Bourassa Savaria Foundation
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation
Community Foundation of Mississauga
The Walmley Foundation

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Investor ($50,000 - $99,999)

Paul Martin Sr. spent 39 years in federal politics and a lifetime serving Canadians. The Paul Martin Senior Society recognizes outstanding donors who follow the inspirational legacy of a great Canadian who, as Minister of Health and Welfare, introduced universal polio vaccination to Canada.

Individuals:

Charles Gallant
Mark Golding
Elizabeth Greville
Andrew Howard
Pierrette Lévesque
Anthony Lisanti
Neil Rosta

Corporate:

Canada Life
Leon’s Furniture Limited
Power Corporation of Canada
Sandy Beach Resort & Trailer Court Ltd.
Stewart McKelvey LLP
Sherkston Shores
Stewart McKelvey LLP

Foundations:

ArcelorMittal Dofasco Employee Donations Fund
Harmonize for Speech Fund
RBC Foundation
Rexall Foundation
The Hope Charitable Foundation
The Windsor Foundation
Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Benefactor ($25,000 - $49,999)

Individuals:

Neil Anthes
Gladys Chan
Michael Chao
Dale Dantzer
Shawn Garbedian
Kathryn Kennedy
Steve Laciak
Harsha Malempati
Sandra Nymark
Lianne Tile
Linda Yielding

Corporate:

Amdocs
CGI
Edco Financial Holdings Ltd.
Fisherman’s Cove Tent & Trailer Park
Genx Inc.
Green Line Properties Limited (Hammock Harbour)
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
ISAAC Canada
JSS Barristers
McKesson Canada
Oatley, Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers
Resolute FP Canada Inc
Scodesign Distribution Inc.
Sun Life Financial
Sunspace Sunrooms
TELUS
Temec Engineering Group Limited

Foundations:

Brunatti-Dyment Fund at the Niagara Community Foundation
Doug Harvey-Smith Fund - Community Foundation of Ottawa
Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation
Ontario Realtors Care Foundation
The Dunkley Charitable Foundation
Winnipeg Foundation

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Patron ($10,000 - $24,999)

Individuals:

Harold Baardsnes
Alan Barkin
Ann Burnside
John Clarke
Marc Dore
John Eastwood
David Farmer
David Fisher
Susan Flam
David Graves
Sharon Kim
Jereme Larouche
Stephen Reid
Keith Rodgers
Donald Rolfe
Mehdi Sadoughi
David Sharpe
Marie-Luc Simoneau
Kendra Toby
Dianne Tyers
Dennis Ullman
Erika Wagner

Corporate:

Accenture Inc.
BMO Capital Markets
Burchells
Brewha Craft Beer Festival
Canada Post Corporation
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
Delmar International Inc.
Deloitte LLP
General Coach
IBM Canada Ltd.
Kearns Edgewater Financial Services Inc.
Liberty Tax Service
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc.
Pellerin Inc.
People Corporation
Quatro Group Software Systems Inc.
Rideau Acres Campground
Wellington Laboratories Inc.

Foundations:

Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation
Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons
First Light Foundation
Garron Foundation
James & Alfreda Parlee Fund at Toronto Foundation
John & Judy Bragg Family Foundation
Masonic Foundation of Ontario
McLean Smits Family Foundation
Sofina Foundation
The Alice & Murray Maitland Foundation
The John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation
Walker Wood Foundation

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Member ($5,000 - $9,999)

Individuals:

Alfred Apps
Luis Barreto
Geoffrey Belsher
George Bulawka
Wong Choo
Michael Cole
Malcolm Collins
Luigi Conflitti
John Cordeau
June Dewar
Herman Dhotar
Dan Dodge
Daniel Gideon
Lorraine Halabisky
Margaret Halmer
Jane Jackson
Sandy Kimple
Patrick Kuiack
Gail Lamb
John Leliever
John Lynch
Philip Maguire
J Mather
Deborah Michielsen
Karen Mootoo
Shirley Mungall
Paul Myers
Paul Randall
Barbara Ritchie
Blair Roblin
Peter Rumyee
Maria Schroeder
Kathryn Shaw
Glenn Solomon
Lubna Syed
Evan Watts
Brett W Wilson
Catherine Winchester
John Wittmann
Thomas Wolever

Corporate:

CI Investments
Duggan Benefits Insurance Agencies Inc.
Emera Inc.
Global Coin Solutions
Goldline Mobility & Conversions
Hollywood Eye Magic
House of Wax Holdings Ltd.
iA Financial Group
London Police Association
MEDability Healthcare Solutions
Motion Specialties
Oxford Dodge Chrysler Ltd.
Pride Mobility Products
Salma Jaffer Law
Sharp Electronics of Canada
Shop4Charity
Sryas Inc.
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
Urban Poling Inc.
Wagners Law Firm
Watson Centre Society for Brain Health

Foundations:

Al Roadburg Foundation
Allard Foundation Ltd.
Amber Shurb-Beach Fund
Betty Quintus Memorial Trust
Cannonbury Foundation
CHIMP: Charitable Impact Foundation
Crist Family Foundation
D & F Zurbrigg Family Foundation
Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund
Honey & Leonard Wolfe Family Charitable Foundation
J. E. Panneton Family Foundation
Lohn Foundation
PDM Charitable Foundation
Power to Give Foundation
The Albarrie Foundation
The Brumara Foundation
The Frank Fowler Foundation
Vancouver Foundation

The Ellen Fairclough Society ($1,000 - $4,999)

Through The Ellen Fairclough Society®, March of Dimes Canada acknowledges generous donors whose contributions carry on the legacy of Canada’s first female federal Cabinet Minister and honorary leader of Ontario March of Dimes 40,000 Marching Mothers®, who canvassed door-to-door in neighbourhoods across Canada raising funds for Polio research.

Individuals:

Lynette Arntsen
Susan Barrett
Art Bond
Elinor Cale
Michael Cavanagh
David Cottingham
Angie Crittenden
Roger A Dixon
Christopher Gallimore
Blake Goldring
Willimin Griffiths
June Gurvich
Frank Iacobucci
Boehringer Ingelheim
Wiliam Jardine
Peter Krochmaluk
Sylvie Lapointe
Lucien Lariviere
Natalie Lazarowych
Mary Licausi
Louise Lim
Steven Manders
Robert W Martin
Robert W Martin
George May
Stewart Mckelvey
Lynn Mcternan
Chrisoula Mirkopoulos
Carol Moffatt
Patricia Molland
Chad Muir
Jerry Nieczyporowski
Volmar Nordman
John Pavlov
Wilhelmina Peddie
Bonnie Perchaluk
Jim Peterson
Joseph Quattrocchi
Gareth Ritcey
Margaret Roland
Barbara Scott
Leonard Shirchenko
Laurene Smith
Mary Smith
Val & Rob Thompson
Elizabeth Wagg
Rory Wallace
Dennis Werkman
Bob Woehl
Jennifer Wolfenden
Man Wong

Corporate:

A. Brigandi Consulting Inc.
ACT/UTC Kelowna West Council #1003
Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP
Bayshore Health Care
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Bloombergsen Inc.
Boehringer-Ingelheim Canada
Browne Law Office Professional Corp.
Candeal
Caregiver Omnimedia Inc.
Carpenters & Allied Workers Local 27
Challenger Motor Freight
Computek College
Cox & Palmer
East West Medical Products
E.E.S. Financial Services Ltd.
Entuitive Corporation
Fairbank Investment Management Ltd.
First West Credit Union
Gem Healthcare Group Ltd.
Gibson Energy ULC
Gunn Nuclear Inc.
Hammond Power Solutions Inc.
Horizon North Logistics Inc.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group
Kearns & Company
Lennard Commercial Realty Brokerage
Liberator Communications Canada
McInnes Cooper
Medavail Technologies Inc.
Mickelson & Whysall Law Corp
Mobility In Motion
Motion Composites Inc.
Northwind Canada Inc.
Oakanagan Aggregates Ltd.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
Paulmac’s Pets Peterborough
PCM Technology
Pluribus Technologies Inc.
Quatro Group Software Systems Inc.
Sikand Medicine Professional Corporation
United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Allied Workers
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Yurek Pharmacy Ltd.

Foundations:

Dr. Samuel S. Robinson Charitable Foundation
Duboc Family Foundation at Toronto Foundation
Retired Teachers Organization Legacy Foundation
Rotary Club of Mississauga Foundation
The Alan & Joan French Foundation
The Arlanxeo Foundation
The Bay Tree Foundation
The David & Faye Sobey Foundation
The David and Shelley Peterson Foundation
The Ed and Ina Ostergaard Family Fund
The Henry & Zelda Korenblum Family Foundation
The HG Bertram Foundation
The Jackman Foundation
The Joan Arbogast Memorial Fund
The Kelly Patrick & Sophie Palmer Foundation
The Larry Bannerman Foundation
The McLaughlin-Flinn Fund
The Miriam and Harold Green Family Foundation
The Muehlenfeld Family Foundation
The Norma & Larry Bertuzzi Giving Fund
The Paul & Bernadette Wainwright Family Foundation
The Schwenger Family Foundation
The Shawana Foundation
The Susannah Biggs Family Fund
United Church of Canada Foundation

Bequests and Life Insurance Pledges

Bequests

Estate of Albert Gearing
Estate of Anny Hollander
Estate of Charlotte Ann Duke
Estate of Emil Fritscher
Estate of Evelyn Jenkins
Estate of Hugh Lawrence Nugent
Estate of Lola Jean Thompson
Estate of Margaret Louise Moran
Estate of Mary Bird
The John A. Sanderson & Family Trust

Life Insurance Pledges

Fraser Deacon
Jerry Lucas
Patricia Maguire
Andria Spindel

United Way Partners

United Way Centraide North East Ontario
United Way Elgin Middlesex
United Way Greater Toronto
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington
United Way Sarnia-Lambton

United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District
United Way St. Catharines & District
United Way Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
United Way Waterloo Region Communites

Agencies and Service Clubs

Bingoland South (Nepean)
Community Spirit Gaming Centre (Kingston)
Cranberry Resort
Delta Bingo Gaming Centre (Barrie)
Delta Bingo Gaming Centre (Peterborough)
Fort Langley Lions
Knights of Columbus - Holy Redeemer Council #10888

Knights of Columbus Council 13461
Lions Club of Kingston
Masonic District Hamilton ‘A’
Mississauga Central Lions Club
Resorts of Ontario
Rotary Club of Bowmanville
Rotary Club of Hearst
Travelodge Belleville

Non-Profit Housing

Arlanxeo Foundation
AWB Charitable Foundation
Bishop Alexander Carter Foundation
Bot Construction Ltd.
Cadillac Fairview Corporation Ltd.
D.H. Gordon Foundation
Electrical Contractors Association Of Sarnia
General Contractors Section of Sarnia Construction Association
H.G. Bertram Foundation
Knights of Columbus - St. Jacques
LiUNA Local 1089
Lodge Of The Ancient Landmarks No. 654
Martin Foundation Fund at Hamilton Community Foundation
May Court Club of Oakville
Mechanical Contractors Association of Sarnia

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Oakville Community Foundation
Ontario Realtors CARE Foundation
REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington
Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain
Rotary Club of Oakville
Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar
Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers
Sarnia Construction Association
Schwenger Family Foundation
Shell Canada
Smith Funeral Home
Sudbury Real Estate Board
Toronto Real Estate Board
Walmley Foundation

Campers Helping Campers

ATL Distributing
Bensfort Bridge Resort
Bids for Benefit
Bissell’s Hideaway
Camping In Ontario
Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA)
Country Gardens RV Park
Emerald Lake Trailer Resort & Waterpark
Fisherman’s Cove Tent & Trailer Park
Fort Langley Lions Gaming Acct
General Coach Canada
Global Coin Solutions
Great Blue Resorts
Green Line Properties Ltd.
Green Wood Gems
Hammock Harbour RV Park
Leisure Time Park & Trailer Sales
Linwood Parks

MediaTown Marketing
Mr. Sub (MTY Group)
Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (ORVDA)
Our Ponderosa Cottage & RV Resort
Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc.
Pioneer Point Cottage & RV Resort
Play It Forward
Qwick Wick
Rideau Acres Campground
Sandy Beach Resort & Trailer Court Ltd.
Santa’s Village
Saugeen Springs RV Park
Sherkston Shores
Sun RV Resorts
Sunspace
Sunspace Lottary
Sunspace Sunrooms
The Branding Company
Woodland Park (Sauble)

Special Events Sponsors

The following companies have generously donated products and individuals have donated their gift of valuable time by appearances in support of our special events; namely, Rock for Dimes (nationally), the Ability & Beyond Dinner, and OpportuniTEA with Kate Linder in Calgary and Toronto.

Individuals

Adam E. Cieply
Andrew McCoubrey
Brian Rogers
Calum A. Hester & Hiroko Kitamura
Charles & Alice Yam
Dan Owen
Daniel Gideon
Darran McDougall
David A. & Yukiko Joyce
David Farmer
Dawn Stewart
Dennis R. Ullman
Esther & MoisheHalpern
Frank Forte
Fred Boehli
Fred Dermarkar
Glen Murphy
Glenn Solomon
Iris Nicholaichuk
Irwin Levy
Jeff P. Pellarin
Jim Taipale
Joe Morrison
Kelly Cooper
Krista Sullivan
Lauri A. Brunner
Lynn Wagner
Marc J. Dore
Marc-L Porter
Marilyn Krelenbaum
Mark Slay
Mary Lynne Stewart
Mike & Niloufer Bhesania
Paul Dunphy
Peter Gatzsch
Pressé Mason
Raymond Wagner
Robert Walker
Russell Broom
Sarah Baber
Stephen & Tamara Wong
Steve Elkin
Terry Eisthen
W. Brett Wilson

Corporate

4M Management Ltd.
A&M Sewer And Water Services
Access Independent Living Services
Access Ramp & Mobility Systems Inc.
Accessible Daily Living
Aeroterm
Agency59 Response Ltd.
AGTA Home Healthcare
Airgo
American Standard
ATB Financial
Atlantic Poly Liners Inc.
Baber Design + Build
Barrier Free Real Estate
Bayshore Home Health
BlueStone Properties
Bluewater Power Distribution Corp.
BMO Financial Group
Braunability Canada
Bruno
Burchells LLP
Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Canadian Progress Club (Saskatoon)
Canadian Tire
Canoe Financial
Caregiver Omnimedia Inc.
Cash Casino
Casino Nova Scotia
CI Investments
CIBC - MELLON
CIBC Wood Gundy
Corona Theatre
Cox & Palmer LLP
Crosson Holdings
Custom Mobility
Dentons Canada LLP
Devonian Coast Winery
Drive Medical Canada Inc.
DRUMS Inc.
Echelon Wealth Partners
EllisDon Group of Companies
Espace Libre
Fidelity Investments Canada
General Coach Canada
Goldline Mobility & Conversions
Gudmundseth Mickelson LLP
Hill Street Beverage Co.
HME Limited
Hodges Home Renovations Inc.
Home Modifications Canada
Homewood Health Products Inc.
IMP Group International
Inspirations News
Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP
John McMillan LLP
JSS Barristers
Laird Plastics
Lawdell Services Limited Partnership
Lemay 60
Leon’s Furniture Limited
Lerners Lawyers
Liberty Tax-Markham
London Police Association
London Police Service
London Renovations
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Lumina Management Consultants
Madaisky & Company
Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP
McGregor Financial Inc.
McInnes Cooper
McKesson Canada / Drug Trading Co. Ltd.
McMillan Law Professional Corporation
MedAvail Technologies Inc.
Mercer
Meridian Credit Union Limited
Montreal Stroke Club Chapter
Moving Forward Rehabilitation and Wellness Center
Oxford Dodge Chrysler (1992) Ltd.
Paladin Labs
PartnerIT Corporation
Peggy Stewart-Triland Realty
Pellarin Inc.
Performance Health (formerly Patterson Medical)
Permobil Canada
Precision Home Medical Equipment
Pride Mobility Products
Prohibtion Free House
RE/MAX
Respiratory Homecare Solutions Canada Inc.
Richards Buell Sutton LLP
Saskatoon Aerocentre
Savaria
Scodesign Distribution Inc.
Scodesign.com
Silver Cross Automotive Inc.
Singleton Reynolds LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Solo Liquor
Stewart McKelvey LLP
Sunspace Sunrooms
Temec Engineering Group Limited
The Automax Centre
The Bike Shoppe
The Great Hall
The Walkin Tub
Tilco Electric Ltd.
Tony Nicastro RE/MAX Real Estate
Trillium Bookkeeping Inc.
Tundra Process Solutions Ltd.
Vogel LLP
Wagners
Wilcock Mobile Service Ltd.
Youngs Insurance Brokers
Yurek Pharmacy Ltd.

Gifts in Kind

Individuals

Anna Plaskett
Beth Maitland
Brenda Feldman
Bret Hart
Brian Greenway
Bryton James
Carolyn MacKenzie
Christian Le Blanc
Glenn Solomon
Jeff McArthur
Jodi Hughes
Kate Linder
Krystal Khalil
Linda Olsen
Patti Denney
Paul Dunphy
Robin Wyss
Tracy Schmitt
William Shatner

Corporate

100.7 Cool FM (Windsor)
13th Street Winery
Abercrombie Country Club
Aesop
AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario
Alaska Airlines
Alexanian Flooring
Alexanians
Ambassador Limousine
AMOS Pewter
Ana Pascos ~ Portrait Artist
Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Bacardi Canada Inc.
becrateful
BEESTUNG
Bell Canada
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza
Hotel & Conference Centre
Bird Kingdon
Birdies for Kids
Bissell’s Hideaway
BOOM 97.3, Toronto
Braund
Brightwood Golf & Country Club Ltd.
BrownStones Sports Lounge & Restaurant
Calgary Herald
Calgary Sun
Calgary Zoo
Cambridge Suites Toronto
Camden Spa
Canada Cares
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Canadas Wonderland
Caregiver Omni Media
Carlton Cards
Carriage House Inn
Château des Charmes
CHOM FM, Montreal
Cineplex
Clarins
Classic Rock Free 98.1 FM, London
CNE
Continental Currency Exchange
Currency Converters (Waterloo)
Danby Appliances
Dawson Dental Centres – Aurora
Dentons Canada LLP
Dhoui Chang Photography
Di Profio Wines Limited
Double Zero
DUFFLET PASTRIES
Eastern Front Theatre
Edgewater Financial Group Inc.
Edible Matters
Egencia
Espy Experience
Fabricland
Fox Harb’r Resort
FURious Fur
G & C Salon
Gaúcho
Gentec International
GenX Solutions
Global Calgary
Global Toronto
Global, BC
Global, Halifax
Global, Montreal
Goodlife Fitness
Granite Springs Golf Club
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront
Hearthstone Inn
Holland America Cruise
Hollywood Magic
Hotel Elan
ideacity
Inglewood Golf and Curling Club
Jack 96.9 FM, Vancouver
Jérôme Photographer
Joe Toby
Just Your Average Joes & Riverside Banquet Hall
K106.3 (Sarnia)
KEILHAUER
KonMari
Long & McQuade
Marcelle
Maritime Dance Academy
Mary Licausi
Marynissen Estates Winery
McKesson Canada
Medieval Times
Miko Photography
Montreal Gazzette
Moxie’s Grill & Bar, Halifax
Murphy’s The Cable Wharf /Ambassatours Gray Line
News Talk 770, Calgary
Noble Estates Wine & Spirits
NovaScotian Crystal
NOW Communications, Toronto
Nutcracker Sweet Incorporated
On the Rocks
Porter Airlines
Postmedia
PSAV Calary & Toronto
Q104, Halifax
Q107 Calgary
Renaissance Wine
RnR Wellness Spa LE GERMAIN
Rockway Wines
Royal York
Salon Resource Group
Salvedge Fashion
SaskPower
Scott Grondin
Scott Grondon Photography
Shakers Roadhouse
Sharp Electronics
Sherkston Shores / Live Lounge
Shop4Charity
SoulPepper
Stage West Calgary
Sun RV Resorts
Sunspace Sunrooms
Suzanne Serfaty
Symphony Nova Scotia
Tarragon
Tetley
The Coast, Halifax
The Foreign Affair Winery
The Hangar Flight Museum
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
The Palace Theatre
The Providence
The Shore Club
The Weather Network
The Westin Calgary
The Young and the Restless
Toronto Sun
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Try This Hair Co.
Twinings
Tyme
Ultimate Currency Exchange
Uptown Salon & Spa
Vancouver Sun
Vertigo Theatre
Via Rail
Vienni Wines
Vive Rejuvenation + Hotel
W.A.C. Hair Group
Warner Marketing
Whirlpool Corporation
White Point Beach Resort
Zatzman Sportsplex

Research & Awards

Celebrating Success

Every year, we celebrate people and organizations that have risen to challenges within March of Dimes Canada and beyond. We are proud to highlight their work here and acknowledge the contributions they’ve made to building a more accessible, inclusive society.

Jonas Salk Awards

The Jonas Salk Award, worth $10,000, is presented annually to a Canadian scientist, physician or researcher who has made an outstanding medical or scientific contribution that prevents, alleviates or eliminates a physical disability.

In 2019, the award went to Dr. Denis Richard for his research into the complex causes of obesity. Dr. Richard studies the cellular mechanisms that influence food intake and energy expenditure, as well as best practices for treating obesity. His work has the potential to help Canadians across the country, including those living with disability, to overcome the significant challenges of obesity.

Corporate Spirit Awards

This award is presented annually to an organization that positively affects the lives of stroke survivors and caregivers across the country.

trophy icon Presented to: Dentons Canada LLP

Dentons Canada LLP is a national Canadian law firm, with offices in major cities across the country, which supports national and local healthcare and wellness through donations and pro bono work.

Since 1994, Dentons has donated over $200,000 to March of Dimes Canada programming, including After Stroke, through our Ability & Beyond Dinner and our Rock for Dimes Toronto fundraiser. Dentons’ commitment to giving back has helped us support Canadians living with disabilities so they can enjoy inclusion, choice, and control in their daily lives.

Community Awards

Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Design

trophy icon Presented to: Aga Khan Museum

This award is presented to the owner(s) of a building or facility that’s been designed or renovated with special regard to accessibility for people living with disabilities.

The Judge George Ferguson Award

trophy icon Presented to: Mark and Mary Anne Ewer

This award celebrates a business, organization or individual who’s made outstanding way contribution to enabling “equality and full participation” for people living with disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Award

trophy icon Presented to: Dailey’s Independent

This award is given to a business, organization, or agency that’s made an outstanding contribution to the vocational rehabilitation and employment of adults with physical disabilities.

Community Partnership Award

trophy icon Presented to: Brain Injury Association, Sudbury and District

This award acknowledges an organization or community group for outstanding collaboration with March of Dimes Canada in support of persons with disabilities.

Richard Kall Employee Award of Excellence

trophy icon Presented to: Ellen Cotton and Wendy Tushingham

This awarded celebrates any full- or part-time MODC employee who demonstrates selflessness, excellence, improves the work environment and enhances customer service.

Wade Hampton Bursary Training Bursary

trophy icon Presented to:

Ethan Spencer
Gabriel Medeiros
Michael Fischer
Shaheer Syed Muhammad
Victoria Ross

This bursary is given to people living with physical disability who need financial assistance to pursue a profession or career goal.

President’s Awards

trophy icon The Individual Award went to:

Nadia Troisi, Rebecca Dade and Marcia Wright

trophy icon The Team Award went to:

Niagara Assisted Living Outreach staff

These awards are presented to March of Dimes Canada employees and teams that have done exceptional work over the past year.

Congratulations and thank you for your commitment and dedication to March of Dimes Canada!

March of Dimes Canada

Board of Directors 2019 - 2020

Catherine Sherrard - Chair
Elizabeth Lounsbury - Vice Chair
Alan Lipszyc - Treasurer
Michael Cole - Secretary
Peter Rumyee - Past Chair

Directors
Dr. Luis Barreto
Tony Barros
Catherine Bell
Lauri Brunner
Allister Byrne
Janet Candido
Adam Cieply
Michael Claener
Elizabeth Greville

Wendy Kauffman
Patricia Peel
Trent Pringle
Dr. Blair Roblin
Dr. Faisel Saeed
Graham Todd
Lynn Wagner
Cameron Whale

​Rising Challenge

2019-2020 Annual Report

​Message from Board Chair Catherine Sherrard and President & CEO Len Baker

​Our Mission

To maximize the independence, personal empowerment and community participation of people with physical disabilities.

"They make me feel like I’m the same person I’ve always been.”

Meet Carolina Floyd

​Community Support Services

6,147 people served

1,344 staff providing care and connection

433 volunteers

​Providing Hands-on Help for Independent Living

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

​“I’m providing hope...that there is life after stroke.”

​Meet Lara Kaufman

​After Stroke

33,373 people served by Community Programs and After Stroke

22,088 served by Community Programs

11,285 served by After Stroke and Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia

26 stroke groups operating in Ontario

27 stroke recovery programs operating in B.C.

​Connecting to Hope, Humanity and Life

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

“I want to take on more responsibility … This will be good for my future.”

​Meet Quincy Odutayo

​Employment Services

19,256 people served by Employment Services

5,972 assessments completed

1,781 of employees placed in jobs

Over 4,000 employers

275 staff supporting clients coast-to-coast

​Opening Doors to Rewarding Employment

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

“Now I have a voice everywhere I go. …There are no limits!”

​Meet Bradley Heaven

​Leveling the Playing Field Through Technology

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

“We felt welcomed from our first meeting.”

​Meet Anita Lam

​Supporting Caregivers in their Challenging Roles

Rising to the Challenge in 2019/20 by:

The pandemic posed multiple threats to people living with disabilities.

​Rising to the Challenge of a Global Pandemic

Our Financial Performance

2019-2020

Operating Revenues

2019-2020 Operating Expenses

Thanking our Supporters

Donor Spotlight

The Right Honourable Paul Martin Jr.

Jane Jackson

Donors & Partners

Jonas Salk Circle of Friends ($100,000 - $1,000,000+)

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Investor ($50,000 - $99,999)

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Benefactor ($25,000 - $49,999)

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Patron ($10,000 - $24,999)

The Paul Martin Sr. Society - Member ($5,000 - $9,999)

The Ellen Fairclough Society ($1,000 - $4,999)

Bequests and Life Insurance Pledges

United Way Partners

Agencies and Service Clubs

Non-Profit Housing

Campers Helping Campers

Special Events Sponsors

Gifts in Kind

Research & Awards

Celebrating Success

Jonas Salk Awards

Corporate Spirit Awards

Community Awards

March of Dimes Canada

Board of Directors 2019 - 2020

2019-2020 Annual Report (PDF)

Rapport annuel2019-2020 (PDF)

Rising
Challenge

Message from Board Chair Catherine Sherrard and President & CEO Len Baker

Our Mission

Community Support Services

Providing Hands-on Help for Independent Living

“I’m providing hope...that there is life after stroke.”

Meet Lara Kaufman

After Stroke

Connecting to Hope, Humanity and Life

Meet Quincy Odutayo

Employment Services

Opening Doors to Rewarding Employment

Meet Bradley Heaven

Leveling the Playing Field Through Technology

“We felt  welcomed from our first meeting.”

Meet Anita Lam

Supporting Caregivers in their Challenging Roles

Rising to the Challenge of a Global Pandemic

2019-2020
Operating Expenses

2019-2020
Annual Report (PDF)

Rapport annuel
2019-2020 (PDF)