Winter 2014 - George Jeffrey Children`s Foundation

George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Newsletter | Winter 2014
MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM
Mr.
Mrs.
Miss
Dr.
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation assists in
providing the resources to ensure that George
Jeffrey Children's Centre is able to fulfill its mission
of enriching the lives of children and youth with
physical and developmental disabilities living in our
Community and Northwestern Ontario.
Please consider joining our Monthly Giving Program.
Ms.
First Name:
Mission Statement
Your monthly donation allows us to take a planned, long-term approach through
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation to support the works of George Jeffrey
Children’s Centre. Your commitment will help to provide ongoing support for
George Jeffrey Children’s Centre to ensure children with special needs continue to receive the services that
they deserve, enabling them to achieve their personal best. Whatever you choose to give each month will
support initiatives and be an investment in the future of the children we serve.
Last Name:
Address:
City:
Prov:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Please accept my gift of $
I have enclosed a cheque payable to
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation
Please charge my Credit Card for this
donation
Visa
Card # (below):
Mastercard
Exp:
Yes!
Teija’s Story
I want to be a Monthly Giver with George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation.
On November 17, 2008 my husband Brian and I were very excited about the birth of our first
CONTACT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE: We can help you to set-up pre-authorized pledges
through your credit card or post-dated cheques. Monthly Givers have the flexibility to set their
donation, increase, decrease, pause or stop their gift at any time.
(807) 623-6050 or by email [email protected]
OR
DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: You can also visit our sponsor, CanadaHelps.org, which is an online
fundraising solution that allows charities like George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation to accept donations
privately and securely over the Internet.
OR
Signature:
I WOULD LIKE THE FOUNDATION OFFICE TO CONTACT ME:
I would like to make my donation
In Memory of:
In Honour of:
Name:
I would like an acknowledgement sent to:
Name: _______________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
Thank you for investing in the future of our Kids.
“Because our Kids Just Want to Be Kids”
Plan an Event
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation welcomes fund-raising and promotional events, sponsored and organized by outside
organizations on its behalf. If you would like to plan an event please contact us at (807) 623-6050.
Donate online
SAVE ME A SEAT
is an ongoing program where donations of
$1,000 are recognized with a designated seat
number on the Save Me A Seat Donor Wall
in our Centre’s Lobby. Donations can be one
time payments or done in monthly or annual
installments on a pledge schedule.
I am interested in Save Me A Seat.
Please Contact me to confirm my pledge
One time donation of $1000
Annual Payments over ____ years
Monthly Contributions of $_______
Donations can be made securely online at www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com. Click
on the “Donate Now” button. Donations can be made to George Jeffrey Children’s
Foundation via this safe and secure system provided through CanadaHelps.org.
The support for Teija from our community from the first day she was born was amazing.
We were connected with a pediatrician, a social worker, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and
immediately referred to George Jeffrey. From a medical perspective we were very lucky;
Teija was healthy, and we were discharged from hospital 3 days after she was born. She was
then seen at the George Jeffrey Infant Growth and Development Clinic when she was only
1 week old. In this clinic Teija was seen by a pediatrician, a physiotherapist, an occupational
therapist, a speech language pathologist and a social worker. It was explained to us that in this
comprehensive clinic, the providers complete a thorough assessment all together to determine
a child’s strengths and weaknesses and identify areas that need attention. Then individual
therapy can be carried out to focus on the child’s needs. Jennifer & Teija
At first Teija was mostly followed by Dr. De, the pediatrician, who ensured that she was gaining weight appropriately.
When Teija was about 2 months old, we noticed that she started tilting her head to one side (referred to as a Torticollis). At this time we were seen
regularly by the physiotherapist who showed us exercises, stretches and head positioning to encourage Teija to keep her head straight. Over the next few
months we noticed a great improvement in her head tilt.
Over the next four years Teija was seen in the Infant Growth and Development Clinic every three to six months. There were times when no specific
intervention was needed, and more commonly individual blocks of therapy were set up as specific needs were identified.
When Teija ‘graduated’ from the Infant Growth and Development Clinic she began seeing individual therapists as needed. One major milestone for Teija was
starting school in September 2012. She was born in November, so she was only 3 years old when she entered JK. At this time we worked closely with Katie
O’Brien, Teija’s Occupational Therapist to help her prepare for school. Katie worked with Teija on proper hand position for holding a pencil, pre-printing
skills, and other skills such as putting on a jacket and doing up a zipper. Katie also went into Teija’s classroom to observe her in this setting and helped to
adjust her chair and gave her a footrest for better positioning, as Teija was smaller than the other students in her class. Katie also helped advocate for a
smaller, more child friendly toilet in Teija’s classroom, an issue that not only benefitted Teija, but all the students in her class.
As the parent of any child entering school for the first time knows, it can be an exciting, yet worrisome time. This worry however, is greatly amplified when
you have a child with special needs. George Jeffrey helped us feel that Teija was as prepared as she could be for school. We knew that she would do well. I
am so proud to say that Teija far exceeded our expectations. She will be entering Grade 1 this coming Fall. She knows the alphabet and the sound that each
letter makes. She can read sight words such as 'the', 'at' and 'to', and she is reading short words such as 'dog', 'cat' and 'fox.' She can write her name and all
the letters of the alphabet. She participates actively in gym class, she can ride her bike with training wheels and you should see her throw a ball! She has
quite the arm! In addition, Teija is well accepted by her peers and has a great group of friends.
200 Brock St. E.
Thunder Bay ON P7E 0A2
Name to appear on Save Me A Seat Donor Wall:
Thank you for helping us in our mission
“Because Our Kids Just Want to Be Kids”
child, a little girl, we named Teija June Lawson. Teija was born with Down syndrome, one of
the most common chromosomal abnormalities that causes both developmental and physical
delays. The birth of your first child is a nerve racking experience for any new parent, but when
you are told that your daughter will have special needs you are faced with even more worries
and fears.
100% of your donation stays in our community to assist children and youth at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.
All donations of $20.00 or greater will receive a tax receipt.
Charitable Registration # 854696770RR0001
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation respects your privacy and is committed to the protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. We do not rent, sell
or trade the personal information we collect including information contained in our mailing list. The information you provide is used to fulfill our mandate to raise funds and to keep
you informed of Foundation news and activities. You may have your name removed from our mailing list by contacting the Foundation Office at (807) 623-6050.
It has now been five and a half years since we first became involved with George Jeffrey. Looking back at our initial visits, I can see all the amazing progress
that Teija has made thanks to the intervention that she received. It was wonderful to work with so many individuals who saw Teija for her potential, and
not her disability. Each and every therapist that we worked with had Teija’s best interest at heart, and they were committed to improving Teija’s growth and
development.
It is easy to talk about all of the benefits that Teija has received from George Jeffrey, but one of the more surprising benefits was actually for my husband
Brian and I. We, as a new family, received so much support from everyone at the Centre. We continue to see many of the same therapists that have been
involved in Teija’s care since her first visit, and we have developed friendships and support networks that are invaluable. Over the years, our family, now of
five, has been able to enjoy some of the benefits of being involved with the Centre such as Family Fun Days, and the visit with Patrick Sharp and the Stanley
Cup last Summer.
I would like to sum this up by saying that every child deserves an opportunity, a chance to meet their full potential. I believe that George Jeffrey helps to
make that happen, and we are grateful that Teija has been given the opportunity to reach her potential. We cannot be more proud of her. Thank you for
your generous support of the Centre. ~ by Jennifer Lawson
Through the remarkable generosity
of ALL our Sponsors, Golfers and Volunteers
the 3rd Annual Patrick Sharp Children’s Charity Golf Classic
raised a remarkable
THANK YOU!
To Sponsors, Superior North EMS Paramedics, Racers, Volunteers and Supporters
of the 11th Annual Superior North EMS Soapbox Races for raising $36,000
to support George Jeffrey Children’s Centre and the children we serve.
$125,000
In the 3 years of this tournament $329,000 has been raised to assist children
with special needs that come to George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.
Through the support and generosity of our sponsors, golfers and
volunteers all funds raised will ensure all essential services are met at this
truly exceptional Centre.
Left to right - Trevor Fitzgerald Gillons, Ted Fitzgerald Gillons, Myron Romaniuk Gillons,
Mark LeBlanc Northbridge, Mary Anne Comuzzi, Executive Director GJCF, Patrick Sharp, Duane Cridland Gillons
Through a generous donation from
Ontario Power Generation (OPG),
George Jeffrey Children's Centre was
able to furnish an area with wheelchairaccessible picnic tables and benches.
Raffle Sponsor
Dinner Sponsor
Chris Fralick, OPG Northwest Operations regional manager, presented a
cheque to Mary Anne Comuzzi, GJCF Executive Director and Tom Walters.
Chris said,“We’ve been involved right from the get-go in 2008 when this
facility was constructed. We helped put in a therapeutic walkway and we’re
helping now with some wheelchair accessible picnic tables and benches. This
is something that our employees believe in and value.“ 
Breakfast Sponsor
Lead Sponsor:
Driving Range Sponsor Golf Cart Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Terrace Sponsor
Appetizer Sponsor
MACIVOR HARRIS RODDY
L A W Y E R S
Dessert Sponsor
OPG Opens the Outdoors for Clients
”It’s wonderful to see this kind of support,”
says Tom Walters, CEO of the Centre.
“These tables and benches donated
by OPG will make our outdoors more
accessible for our Kids.”
Presenting Sponsors
Wine Sponsor
CONTRIBUTOR HIGHLIGHTS
Sign Sponsor
Media Sponsor
&
LLP
T R A D E M A R K
Race Logistic & Pit Crew Sponsor:
A G E N T S
Welcome Gift
Photography Sponsor
Soapbox Car Sponsors:
Staff Charity Fund
FLAG/HOLE SPONSORS
Teleco • Downtown Volkswagen • Shoppers Home Health Care • True Grit Consulting • Balmoral Dental Design Ltd • Rock 94 • Triad Exterior Finishing • RBC • Merse Motor Electric
Smiths R.V. Centre • Gillons • Blue Door Bistro • Perhol Construction • Clow Darling • Dubinsky Law • Sportop • Tbaytel
Thunder Bay Mitsubishi & Balmoral Park Acura • Investors Group
T-BOX SPONSORS
CIBC-Brad Coslett • TBXI-Xerox/The Business Supplier • Colosimo Financial • Thunder Bay International Airport Authorities • Provincial Alliance & Copperfin Credit Union
• Bearl Mechanical Inc • Profor Engineering • Nor West Pest Control
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Patrick Sharp • Premier Gold • Manitou Weather Station • Crock-N-Dials • Westjet Airlines • Doug Gilmour • Lucas Peltonen & Family • Kerry Fraser • Anonymous Donors
CONTRIBUTORS
Tim Hortons • Pop’s Kettle Corn • Chicago Blackhawks • Keurig • Fort William Country Club • Wirtz Beverage Group • Tom Walters • Valhalla Inn • Nor West Pest Control • Colin Bruce
Andrew & Michelle St. Clair • OLG • Design and Logic • Vince Mirabelli • Alex Szczomak • Jennifer Lawson • Jody Marchant • Ken & Flo Crooks • Hilary Kaszor • Kathleen Comuzzi
Emey Hendricks • Course Volunteers
(l to r) Haley Irwin,
Myron Romaniuk
Gillons,
Mark LeBlanc
Northbridge,
Patrick Sharp
In conjunction with the Patrick Sharp Charity Golf Classic a pre-tournament event
sponsored by Northbridge Insurance & Gillons was hosted at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre
where over 400 children and their families along with sponsors had the opportunity to take
part in a Family Fair atmosphere and mingle
with Patrick Sharp and his special guests, Haley Irwin and Kerry Fraser.
It was also the first time Patrick unveiled the Gold Medal he won in Sochi as part of the
Canadian Men’s Gold Medal Winning Hockey Team.
(l to r) Patrick Sharp,
Kerry Fraser
& Haley Irwin
Tournament Pre Event Family Fun Fair Sponsor
Bruno’s Contracting, Intercity Fleet Auto Service, Kilred Winding Industries Ltd,
Service Master Clean, Superior Elevator ULC, Weiler Maloney Nelson
Media Sponsors:
Starting Line Sponsors:
Pit Sponsors:
Finish Line Sponsors:
LiUNA Local 607
Manulife Securities
Thunder Bay Mitsubishi Motors
WSP Canada Inc.
Signs Now
Currie’s Copy Shop
Health Pro Canada
A-1 Sewage
Excalibur
Tim Hortons
The Chronicle-Journal
North West Electric
Home Depot
LTL Construction
Mascarin Collision Centre
Thunder Bay Police Association
RBC
Porter Airlines
Flag Sponsors:
Special Thanks To:
Superior North EMS Paramedics, Waverly Hill Residents, Magnus Theatre, Trinity Church, St. Paul’s United Church, Prezio Electric Ltd,
Zegil’s Floor Mart, Dufresne, Salvation Army, Boston Pizza, Thunder Bay Police, Thunder Bay Auto Sports Club, Electrical Safety Authority,
Ray Innes, Ray Dorval, City of Thunder Bay, Eco Superior, Gentle George, Moose Medic, Dennis Niittynen, Kevin Kivisto, Darren Wicklund,
Sonny Helmink, John Sacek, Winmar, Signal Resources, Ken Crooks & Marnie Moroz, LuLu & Friends, Our Dedicated Volunteers
RACE STANDINGS
CLASS A WINNER
Greggory Augruso
MODIFIED CLASS
Jaiden Holmstrom
CORPORATE MODIFIED CLASS
Juliet Elliot
Greggory Augruso
Pre Event Photography Sponsor
As part of its Employee Payroll Donation
Campaign, local Safeway employees
announced a $3,338 contribution to
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation.
“We are very pleased that the funds
donated to George Jeffrey Children’s
Foundation will focus on supporting
children in Thunder Bay and surrounding
communities in northwestern Ontario to
provide the support and expert care from
the specialists at George Jeffrey Children’s
Centre”, says Natalina Porpiglia Dafnis,
Safeway Public Affairs Coordinator.
Pitching for the Kids
Cav-Tal Foods, Erbanorth, MNP LLP, Northern Computer Innovations, Northern Turf Equipment,
Thermal Mechanical, Thunder Bay Bassmasters, Unifor Local 229
EIJI TSUBOUCHI SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Pre Event Catering Sponsor
Power Workers Union representative
Tim Borg (right) presented a cheque
to Foundation Board member
and long time volunteer, Dennis
Niittynen. In lieu of a gift Dennis
asked that a donation be made to
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation
in recognition of his recent
retirement from Ontario Power
Generation (OPG).
Jack’s Wife Linda &
Grandson Carter
The Inaugural Jack McInnis Memorial Horseshoe
Tournament was held on August 23rd, 2014; the weekend
of Jack's birthday. The Moose campground at Cloud Lake
where Jack and Linda McInnis have camped for the last
3 years was the host venue for the inaugural event. The
mandate of the Moose campground organization is
helping kids and the obvious charity of choice for the Jack
McInnis Memorial Horseshoe Tournament was George
Jeffrey Children's Centre. The horseshoe tournament is
a welcomed event and will be held annually in honour of
Jack and in support of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.
What is Giving Tuesday?
You've heard of Black Friday
and Cyber Monday.
Now there is Giving Tuesday; a global day of giving.
After the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday,
GivingTuesday is a time to celebrate and
encourage activities that support charities and
non profits.
When is Giving Tuesday?
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering time, helping a neighbour or
spreading the word, GivingTuesday is a movement for everyone who wants
to give something back and it's a way to encourage more, better and smarter
giving during the Holiday Season. How will you give back?
Visit www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com for up to date news and events.
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Newsletter | Winter 2014
Family Fun Fair Tournament pre event
Employees Donate to Local Charity
Retirement Gift