Celebrating 20 Years!
To: Those looking to create more SMILES in the World
From: The ‘Create A Smile’ Fundraising Committee & Community Living St. Marys & Area
THANK YOU for supporting our 20th Annual Walkathon for ‘Create A Smile’ Foundation in partnership with Community Living St. Marys & Area being held on Sunday June 2, 2024. We are so excited about this year’s walk/run and we hope you will join us!
This fundraiser is fueled by the amazing generosity of volunteers. All of the money raised at this event goes to Community Living to support their mission of improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the surrounding area. Not only has this event generated significant financial resources, it has also reminded us of the power of healthy communities. The money is used to pay for things that enhance the lives of people with disabilities, their families and the communities they live in. This year’s funds raised will be used to support security of home, activities for increased participation in community events, and additional accessibility features in our community.
Did you know that people with disabilities in Canada are twice as likely to live in poverty than those without a disability? Many have an income of less than $1,200 per month and are now facing rapidly increasing living costs and a lack of affordable housing.
The ‘Create A Smile’ Foundation began 20 years ago by the Muir and Rossetti families, driven by a need that hit close to home. Our sister’s teeth needed to be pulled due to their deterioration from disability related medication. Government funding was not available to support new dentures or implants and we were determined to resolve the situation. This is where ‘Create A Smile’ began.
The first event took place in Stratford and raised over $10,000. Over the past 19 years we have managed to raise $279,484 which has been used to provide support to many people in various ways with intellectual and physical disabilities. The years have flown by and as we look back on the steps we have taken they have added up to some impactful strides and smiles made in the lives of those living with disabilities.
To Donate or Create a Team visit our website www.communitylivingstmarys.ca OR contact
Community Living at 519-284-1400. You can pick up pledge kits at the James Purdue Centre.
WALK DETAILS - Scenic 5km walk/run.
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024 Time: 11am to 1pm
Location: Milt Dunnell Park (“The Flats”)
T-shirts, Prizes, Food, Community & of Course lots of SMILES:)
