Gymnasium for Giant Steps Toronto - Completed!
June 10, 2008, Thornhill, ON
Children with autism can work out their restless urges at a Thornhill climbing facility designed especially for them.
The only one of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area, the KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation Climbing Centre was built with a $50,000 renovation to the Giant Steps gym.
It includes suspended climbing stations, rock climbing and a bouldering wall, among other features.
The walls are covered with murals by artist Lindsay Davies, depicting jungles, mountains and oceans.
“As any parent of one of these children can tell you, many autistic kids have a unique need for movement, climbing and other sensory input,” said Joanne Scott Jackson, fundraising co-ordinator for the Giant Steps autistic children’s school, where the feature has been built.
Although the centre is open only to students at Giant Steps, Ms Jackson hopes it will eventually be available to other autistic children in the area.
You can check out the facility, at 35 Flowervale Rd. (off Simonston Boulevard, in the Don Mils Road-John Street area), during an open house Monday at 6 p.m. Politicians, 35 staff members and 27 families with autistic children will be there.
Autism is an incurable condition with no known cause. It affects 1 in 165 Canadian children and the number is increasing.
As well as affecting social skills and the ability to make eye contact, autism can cause negative compulsive habits. Children with the disorder often need close supervision.
4th Annual Ontario Walk Now for Autism
June 8, 2008, Toronto, ON
Families came from across Ontario on Sunday, June 8, to walk in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada, for the 4th annual Ontario Walk Now for Autism. 5,500 walkers on 325 teams raised over $610,000.
The Walk was honored to welcome His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who met with families on the square, spoke during the opening ceremonies and cut the Walk banner on stage.
During the opening ceremonies, Steven Wise, the Chair of event sponsor KRG Children's Charitable Foundation, spoke passionately about the needs of local families and charged corporate Canada to get on-board to raise money and awareness. Wise encouraged every walker to continue their fundraising efforts and extended KRG's pledge of $2 for every registered walker who raised $100 or more beyond the day of the Walk.
Please take a minute to watch the video clip from the event
Also in attendance were representatives from all three provincial government parties, including Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education, and Deb Matthews, Minister of Child & Youth Services; Dr. Wendy Roberts and Dr. Alvin Loh, co-private investigators for Toronto's Autism Treatment Network site (ATN); and Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr and Executive Vice President of Fundraising and Development Glenn Tringali.
Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
Remodeling of the gymnasium for
Giant Steps Toronto — is well underway
April 4, 2008, Thornhill, ON
Artist Lindsay Davies is painting four complete wall murals. Photos will be posted weekly to show you how the work is progressing. The end result, which is scheduled for June 2008, will make the gymnasium an unique and inspiring recreation facility for the children that attend this school.
Giant Steps is an organization that supports children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects as many as 1 in 165 children, with varying degrees of communication, social and sensory disorders. Many children with autism cannot speak and are socially isolated, some needing constant assistance with the most basic life skills.
SickKids Radiothon 2008
March 27, 2008, Toronto, ON
This annual event included three inspiring days of radio as SickKids patients and families shared their stories of courage and hope and their wishes for the future. KRG CCF played again an integral part in this year’s SickKidsRadiothon participating with $35,000 and the total raised for the Radiothon was just over $3.9 million.
Please take five minutes to watch the attached video...
New gymnasium a giant step forward
February 2008, Thornhill, ON
The KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation prides itself on being driven on bricks and mortar. Our newest project is a new gymnasium for Giant Steps Toronto, an organization that supports children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Building is now underway to create an unique play and movement area for these children, and will include climbing and bouldering walls, rope stations and an adapted zipline.
The gymnasium should be completed by April 2008.
Giant Steps is an innovative approach to meeting the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism affects as many as 1 in 165 children, with varying degrees of communication, social and sensory disorders.
Many children with autism cannot speak and are socially isolated, some needing constant assistance with the most basic life skills.
KRG Children's Charitable Foundation Annual Gala...POSTPONED
January 15, 2008
One of the latest casualties to suffer from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike is the Annual KRG Children's Charitable Foundation Gala. The staff and volunteers of KRG Children's Charitable Foundation refuse to cross the picket line in light of recent events. Other well known events to suffer in recent days were the Golden Globe Awards, and many other arts and entertainment events.
We are hoping, along with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), that an agreement between the WGA is forth coming. Plans are in motion to schedule this year's Gala event this spring. KRG is asking all of their supporters and guests to stay tuned for more important information on this issue.
Operation:ART a new fundraising initiative to make SickKids a warm and fearless place
December 12, 2007, Toronto, ON
It is with great pleasure that the KRG Children's Charitable Foundation has supported Susy Bleasby's wall-by-wall renewal of Sick Kids Hospital. Today the Foundation has come forward to announce the creation of Operation:ART, an initiative to further improve the hospital surroundings. This means more artwork, more colour, more child-friendly treatment rooms and many, many more smiles from everyone — parents, kids and staff alike — who pass through the hospital hallways.
Susy Bleasby, muralist extraordinaire, has been making her mark throughout SickKids for the past three years. Thanks to KRG CCF, Susy will continue to beautify the hospital and amaze both patients and families with her work. For the next three years Susy will be leading this new program, designed to bring visual art into the hospital that uplifts, pleases, lightens and brightens the overall hospital experience. Susy will also be training new muralists, calling on existing artists and engaging staff and families at SickKids to help bring Operation:Art to life.
"We have big ideas to share the healing joy of art with the entire hospital community and to bring art into the lives of all kids struggling with health issues," the artist explained. "Murals, paintings, workshops, one-on-one artwork, interactive installations, community events, art shows, displays and creative collaborative projects are all in the works and Operation:Art is now underway!"
- Take a virtual tour along lovely decorated hallways of the Plastic Surgery Clinic at The Hospital For Sick Children...
York Region students get cybersmart at Community Safety Village’s Internet Safety House
December 6, 2007, Stouffville, ON
The first group of students passed through KRG Children's Charitable Foundation's House for Internet Safety today with much success. This interactive, hands-on 70 minute program was created to meet the needs of York Region's youth to discuss internet safety and cyberbullying issues that they may face. The program is open to all Grade 5 classes in York Region.
The class begins with a discussion regarding the student's computer usage habits. Issues of safe screen names and on-line bullying are also discussed. The students then work in groups using laptop computers to discuss mock chats that have been set up, answering to the safety issues discussed earlier. The class then takes part in an interactive exercise where they walk outside in the Village to the Tim Horton’s where they believe an 11 year old girl is meeting another young girl from class. This person turns out to be an on-line predator in the form of an older male. The reality of not knowing who you are talking to on the computer is driven home, and further so when the male is taken to the Village Police Station and placed in jail.
KRG Children's Charitable Foundation donation of $50,000 went to create the Internet Safety House. Steven Wise, president of the charity feels strongly about making sure children are safe and protected from this insidious problem.
Our organization is driven on bricks and mortar bases.
We like to build things that help kids...
For more information on the program or to obtain a request form, contact Karen Richards, Coordinator of the Community Safety Village at 905-927-1919, ext. 21.
Peaceful oasis built for Israeli teen victims
of violence
September, 2007, Jerusalem, Israel
For those whose lives have been turned upside by terrorism, finding a peaceful place to reflect is challenging at best. Add that to the turmoil of being a regular teenager and imagine the upheaval. Fortunately, the KRG Children's Charitable Foundation has made it easier for these kids to find a place to be relaxed, comfortable and at ease.
The KRG Children's Charitable Foundation has donated $50,000 to OneFamily Fund to create a Youth Drop-In Center located at their Jerusalem office. It is a comfortable place where kids can come and play on computers, read a book from the library, watch a DVD, or just sit and relax. Many of the youth programs and therapeutic sessions offered by OneFamily Fund take place at this location. By working together with doctors and social workers, these kids can share their experiences and begin receiving the help and care they need to heal their wounds and become stronger. This new centre will provide an even more relaxed setting for, and further aid in, their recovery.
The OneFamily Fund is an organization committed to providing victims of the trauma and their families the support and assistance needed to help rebuild their lives after a terrorist attack. Based in Jerusalem, OneFamily Fund is a non-profit charity helping victims of terror throughout Israel on a daily basis. Many of the 2,200 victims are children and by providing them with medical, financial and emotional aid, and through their many on-going programs, therapeutic sessions and camps, they can help these children heal and become stronger.
Second annual Jump for Ooch fundraiser
raises $27,000
August 11, 2007, The Lake Joseph Club, Port Carling, ON
It is not unusual for all eyes to be looking out at the water when you are up in the beautiful Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario. Today, however, a crowd of 850 were not looking at the beauty of the surroundings inasmuch as they were watching — with mouths agape — as a group of remarkable water skiers performed feats of wonder as part of the Jump for Ooch fundraiser organized by the KRG Children's Charitable Foundation.
The second annual event, held in conjunction with KRG Children's Charitable Foundation, Summer Water Sports and the many sponsors that made the day possible, raised over $27,000 for Camp OOCHIGEAS — a camp for children living with cancer. The camp receives no government funding of any kind and relies on individual and corporate sponsor's like KRG to help them provide memorable experiences for these special campers, at no cost to their families. With this money the camp will be able to buy much-needed equipment, like a Gator and a snowblower.
"On behalf of the KRG Children's Charitable Foundation and Summer Water Sports (SWS), Steven and I want to thank everyone for a fantastic day. The Second Annual Jump for Ooch was a huge success and it couldn't have been possible without our corporate sponsors, food donations and volunteers," says Susan Wise, organizer of the event and wife of Steven Wise, president of the KRG Children's Charitable Foundation. "Thanks to all for a picture-perfect day!"
Jump for Ooch is a great family event held every year at the Lake Joseph Club in Muskoka. If you plan a weekend in Muskoka with the family each year, plan it around this fabulous event. You won't be disappointed.
If you wish to participate as a sponsor at next year's event, please email susan.zikman@krg.com.
18th annual Golf Tournament
raises green
for the kids
July 5, 2007, King Valley Golf Club, Richmond Hill, ON
KRG Children's Charitable Foundation held their 18th Annual Golf Tournament and $140,000 was raised for the kids. Coupled with 18 holes at Canada's premier private golf club was the popular "all-you-can-eat" Lobsterfest Dinner which has become a huge favourite among attendees. The tournament's title sponsor was Shiplake Management Company.
The day was chock-o-block with contests and special events, both on and off the course. With prizes to be won for "Longest Drive", "Closest to the Pin", golfers had a lot of activities packed into their day. On the course you could get your picture taken with a Eurocopter AS-350 Helicopter, Tigris Models, or a Ferrari F430. The helicopter seemed to be the favourite among the golfers. Some foursomes even managed to fit more than one of these into their take-home photo!
For some, 18-holes of golf can be quite a workout. On the 15th Hole, OnCourse, a team of Registered Massage Therapists and Physiotherapy Technicians, provided "Active Isolated Stretching" and massaged those golfers with aches, or stretched targeted muscle groups that are specifically used in golf.
Other events include a Live Auction, a draw , "Crack-the-Safe" and Scratch Cards featuring prizes like Cash, Golf Getaways, LCD TVs. Special guests for the day included Wendel Clark, Brad May, and John Derringer.
The next tournatment will be held on July 3rd 2008. This is always a popular event. If you are interested in attending, early registration will ensure you don't miss out.
Walk-a-thon raises money and awareness
for autism research
Sunday, June 3, 2007, Toronto, ON
KRG Children's Charitable Foundation was pleased to be the official sponsor of Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program. It is the signature fundraising and awareness event for the charity, and takes place in communities across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
CFRB Radio Power Hour gets help from
KRG CCF’s founder
March 29, 2007, Toronto, ON
KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation founder and
chairman, Steven Wise, went to the airwaves today to help promote Power
Hours, a radiothon in support of The Hospital for Sick Children.
Mr. Wise personally urged other corporate executives to give generously. “The Hospital for Sick Children is our insurance policy for future generations" he stated. Mr. Wise has always been a tremendous supporter and cheerleader for the wonderful work being done at SickKids.
KRG has proudly sponsored this radiothon, held on CFRB, MIX 99.9 and Easy Rock 73.9, for the past two years. In the fall of 2006, KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation donated over $500,000 to renovate the Plastic Surgery unit at SickKids. “Our commitment is strong and steady as we move forward in many other areas of the Hospital”, promised Steven Wise during his time on-air with radio personalities.
KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation applauds The Spirit of Volunteering
March 6, 2007
Ever since Jordyn Harrison (17) was 11 years old, he has been collecting backpacks from companies and filling them with donated books and toys to give to children in foster care. He had heard that these children are often taken from their homes with just a few of their belongings in a green garbage bags. He wanted to do something for them to show them someone cared. In the six years that Jordyn has been
working on this self-designed mission, he has collected approximately
4,000 backpacks and delivered them to children across the province. An incredible amount of dedication and time has gone into this project.
CITY TV reporter, Cynthia Mulligan had been following Jordyn's successess both on television and through her blog. Then late in February, Ms. Mulligan reported that the project would be coming to an end because backpacks were no longer being donated. Upon hearing about Jordyn’s delema, the KRG Children's Charitable Foundation came to the rescue with several hundred KRG backpacks which were delivered to Jordyn on Friday, March 2nd 2007.
When Jordyn Harrison started he was a kid with a desire to do something positive for others. Now as a teen he knows there are more children out there than one person can possibly help. With Jordyn’s inspiration and a little help from others, he can continue to help and to show other kids that people do care!
KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation – helping children every day in every way! We congratulate Jordyn Harrison for his incredible efforts to help make a difference – one child at a time!
- To contact Jordyn: charity4fun@sympatico.ca.
LET'S MAKE A DEAL ... and a Great Deal it Was!
Thursday, February 8, 2007, The Carlu, Toronto, ON
Well over 300 hundred guests ate, drank, bid on fabulous silent auction items, and enjoyed the very wacky and hilarious game show, "Let's Make A Deal" at the Annual KRG Children's Charitable Foundation Gala. Most importantly thousands of dollars were raised to help children in need.
With introductions by former Toronto Blue Jay's Public Address Announcer, Murray Eldon the retro game show got off to a fabulous start with game show host John T. Ball (a not-so-close cousin to the original show host of the 60s and 70s, Monty Hall!). All contestants received great prizes and a standing ovation from our audience.
Send us an email for details on how you can join us at the next KRG Children's Charitable Foundation Gala.
A Successful Holiday Season
and lots to celebrate in 2007!
January 2, 2007
Happy to report that the KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation in association with 680News and The Salvation Army made Christmas wishes come true for so many children in the GTA.
To help kick-off the ‘holiday season’ (December 2006) the KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation presented $25,000 to The Salvation Army for their TOY Mountain (toys-for-Christmas) program in association with 680News. 2006 was the second consecutive year that The KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation co-sponsored this very worthwhile endeavour.
In addition to our donation, the staff at The KRG Insurance Group, Dot Benefits and SeaMiles showed their strong support by donating well over 500 brand-new unwrapped toys. These gifts further helped provide toys for children who would have otherwise gone without on Christmas morning.
At the conclusion of the fundraising campaign, 680News announced that Toy Mountain “exploded” with well over 76,000 brand new toys donated by individuals and corporations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. This translated into Christmas gifts for more than 30,000 children!
Our sincere thanks to our friends at 680News for allowing us the privilege of being a sponsor for their annual program in support of The Salvation Army. And, congratulations to 680News, The Salvation Army and everyone who donated, making Toy Mountain a huge success in 2006!
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