Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region is a community organization committed to helping children and youth live their potential. We foster and facilitate high quality and safe mentoring programs for children in need. As an agency we off our mentoring programs to children, ages 6 to 16, who face cultural and socio-economic marginalization in the areas of academics, relationship skills, social skills and life skills. All of our programs and services are child-centered and offered to families and youth free of cost. The purpose of our mentoring programs is to provide a positive role model to a child who could use an additional caring adult in their life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region has been making a positive difference in the lives of our region's youth for over 50 years by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs. In 2015 our organization served over 1,200 children with the help of 500 volunteers donating over 34,000 hours. As an agency we have skilled staff and volunteers who collaborate to deliver impactful service to kids and their families.

BBBSWR offers 7 programs In-School Mentoring, Game On, Go Girls, One to One, Big Bunch and Summer Discovery. In-School Mentoring provides elementary students who could benefit from extra support with a caring adult mentor. Game On/Go Girls is designed for grade 7-8 students and provides them with information to help make informed choices about healthy, active living. Big Bunch provides youth with mentoring support through recreational group programming. One-to-One Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring matches children and youth with a caring adult mentor. Summer Discovery provides Newcomer children with the opportunity to experience a recreation and education based summer day camp.

Cambridge Family Early Years Centre

For over 30 years the Cambridge Family Early Years Centre (formerly Cambridge Family Resource Centre) has been dedicated to enriching family and community life by providing accessible social and educational programs, resources and services for parents/caregivers and their children (prenatal to six years).Offering a wealth of programs - early learning programs, parenting courses, guest speakers, consult appointments with Speech and Language, Behavioural Consultants, access to Public Health and Early Years professionals, vision screening, outreach services, nutrition and peer programs, breastfeeding seminars and more! Website: www.cfeyc.ca

Cambridge Self Help Food Bank

The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank has been serving the City of Cambridge and Township of North Dumfries for over 30 years. We provide both emergency and proactive services that help people either recover from or avoid crisis.Our services extend beyond providing food. We are "More Than a Food Bank" and work towards removing the stigma associated with utilizing a food bank and offer a broad range of support programs that assist people gain more control over their lives. Support programs such as Infant Nutrition, Peer Health, Spiritual Care and Grandparents Group help build self-esteem, instill confidence and create hope. In addition to Emergency Food Assistance, we offer a Food Co-operative Program, which supports members in obtaining increased food security. Our Mentor Program and volunteer opportunities in our Community Gardens, Warehouse and Special Events help develop valuable skills. Proceeds from Race to Erase will go towards helping us stock our shelves so that we can best serve the 3500 families who rely on us for support every year. In our region, 1 person in 20 suffers food insecurity. For more information, please visit our website: www.cambridgefoodbank.on.ca. Follow us out on Twitter @cambfoodbank and see our event photos on Instagram: Cambfoodbank

Community Justice Initiatives

Community Justice Initiatives of Waterloo Region (CJI) is a volunteer-based, restorative justice agency known world-wide for starting the first court-sanctioned Restorative Justice program. Our founding was as a result of a grassroots movement that sought to build community to transform harm through dialogue where all voices are heard. Restorative practice is at the heart of everything we do from conflict resolution services; support for people impacted by sexual trauma; reintegration support for women and men returning to community from prison or custody; and services supporting government assisted refugee youth. Our work focuses on bringing people together who are normally kept apart so that they build relationships that result in a stronger, more connected community. We continue to be motivated by our over 250 community volunteers who contribute to our vision to have connected, peaceful communities where all conflict is resolved in a restorative way (www.cjiwr.com)

Community Living Cambridge

Community Living Cambridge has been responding to the needs of adults with developmental disabilities within our community for 65 years. We are dedicated to serving those individuals by offering skills development, programs, events, and activities that empower individuals to realize their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Support is offered through a variety of programs designed to meet each individual's personalized needs, such as residential homes, assisted independent living, seniors programs, employment supports, education, recreation and leisure courses, and specialized day programs. Supports and services are available for approximately 500 individuals. CLC cannot respond to these needs without the help of our caring community. Funds raised through Race to Erase will go directly to developing and maintaining programs that meet the growing requirements of a changing population. For more information, please visit: www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

Dawn Centre/Cambridge Pregnancy Resource Centre

Since 2000, DawnCentre/Cambridge Pregnancy Resource Centre has worked at fulfilling its mission by providing excellence in compassionate care for individuals with unintended pregnancy decisions and related sexual health and wellness needs. We invite individuals in our community to pursue health and hope in the areas of physical,emotional,relational and spiritual wellness. All our services are free, non-discriminatory, and confidential. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to supporting our clients through our various services/programs: pregnancy testing; decision making support; community referrals; pregnancy, parenting, and/or adoption support; maternity and baby clothing; post-abortion support program; community programs for young people. For more information visit our website at www.dawncentre.ca.

Epilepsy Waterloo-Wellington

Epilepsy Waterloo-Wellington is a voluntary health organization providing educational and support services, public awareness, and advocacy for people with seizure disorders, their families, and the general public. This agency has been operating within the community for over 17 years supporting individuals with epilepsy as well as their support networks. We serve the Waterloo-Wellington community where roughly 11,000 individuals live with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a widely misunderstood and prevalent neurological disorder affecting 1 in 100 Canadians. It can be diagnosed at any age, and is more prevalent in the young and the elderly. Seizures can take on many forms, are complex, and require a variety of treatments and first aid. Often individuals who have epilepsy face social isolation and stigmatization due to their disorder. Individuals who are unaware of epilepsy, what a seizure looks like, or what to do in the event of one often misinterpret these behaviours as 'abnormal' and react negatively, through avoidance and exclusion.

Proceeds from Race to Erase will go directly to expanding our capacity to support people living with epilepsy and seizure disorders - primarily the person with epilepsy and/or a seizure disorder, but also to support their parents and siblings, spouses, friends, classmates and workmates in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

For more information, please visit our website www.epilepsyww.com

Hespeler Village Neighbourhood Association

Hespeler Village Neighbourhood Association (Commonly referred to as HVNA) is a Cambridge Neighbourhood that offers programs, services and events to enrich personal, peer and community relationships. We operate with a community development approach. This means that the residents participate in the development of the programs and services offered in their neighbourhood. Such programs HVNA offers is our Little Learners, Playgroup, PD Day Camp, After School Program, Summer Fun Camp and Kiddie Camp, [lead], Leaders In Training, Girls Night, Youth Drop in and special events.

HVNA's vision is that everyone has the opportunity to engage and participate in their community. HVNA offers an inclusive environment through practices of the Principles of Healthy Child Development. We also have partnerships with agencies to offer subsidized programs to our community.

We believe that everyone has the opportunity to participate; We believe in community development through partnerships and collaboration; We believe volunteering is the foundation of our organization; We believe in creating safe, fun environment for all; We believe in transparency, confidentiality and respect for one another and our community.

Kinbridge Community Association

Kinbridge Community Association is a grassroots neighbourhood-based organization in Cambridge, Ontario that has worked with residents for over 25 years in two neighbourhoods in South Galt Cambridge: Christopher Champlain and Southwood. Last year, our programs engaged more than 26,000 individuals of all ages from pre-birth to seniors in a wide range of recreation, education, social programs and services.

Both neighbourhoods have a diverse economic and ethnic make-up, and a high population density. Many of the residents of the Christopher Champlain and Southwood neighbourhoods are challenged by the effects of poverty, isolation, or inadequate employment.

Along with its own services, Kinbridge works closely with community partners to help meet individual needs and improve community wellbeing. Working with community partners, Kinbridge ensures that services are not duplicated as needs are met.

But Kinbridge does more than deliver programs and services. We encourage residents in the neighbourhoods to both identify issues and be a part of solutions.

The demand for existing Kinbridge programs and services continues to grow. While government partners support some of the work of Kinbridge, their funding does not cover all costs. Kinbridge relies on community donations to keep program costs affordable on existing and new programs. 

Your gift will:

• Provide a safe and positive space for a child to go before and after school.
• Help a teen discover how it feels to be a positive role model through a volunteer camp counsellor position.
• Improve language skills and build social networks for a new immigrant
• Help a senior be active through a group walking program, increasing their sense of wellbeing and belonging
• Restore a family's dignity and respect with adequate access to food and housing

When you give to Kinbridge, you help your neighbours move beyond the effects of poverty, isolation or other life challenge, and build lasting resilience, confidence and hope.

PANDAS/PANS Ontario

P.A.N.D.A.S. (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections) is an autoimmune illness affecting as many as 1 in 200 children with an average onset between 4 and 7 years of age.

P.A.N.S. (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is a broader term for the same autoimmune process that can be triggered by different bacterial and viral infections.

Children with these diagnoses experience a sudden change in personality after infection and can be left dealing with numerous physical and mental health issues including OCD, anxiety, tics, eating and sleeping difficulty, fine motor and behaviour regression, sensory sensitivities and more.

PANDAS/PANS Ontario is a not for profit organization that was founded in Sarnia and is governed by a volunteer board of directors.The organization aims to provide awareness and resources about PANDAS/PANS and to support affected families in communities across Ontario. Our services include family support, in person and online support groups, community awareness and educational presentations, and coordination of medical and educational resources. It is our mission to ensure that all children who present with the symptoms of Pandas or Pans are screened for infection in a timely manner and that these families are supported along their child's path to healing.

For more information or to learn more about PANDAS and PANS please contact us at 519.381.7120, visit our website at www.pandaspansontario.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Silverheights Neighbourhood Association

Through community involvement Silverheights Neighbourhood Association (SNA) offers programs, events and activities for all ages and abilities.Such as, parent and tot, youth drop in, open gym, craft club, chill zone, adult volleyball and yoga, women in community, summer camps and special events.SNA's goal is to build a vibrant neighbourhood, where people feel safe and included, working with community residents to ensure they have input in the programs, events and activities we offer. For more information about Silverheights Neighbourhood Association please visit our website www.silverheightsneighbourhood.com

Telecare Cambridge Distress Centre

Telecare Cambridge is your local distress centre serving Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and surrounding areas since 1981.
Our mission is to provide active listening and emotional support so individuals in the community do not have to suffer in silence.
Telecare Cambridge exists to provide emergency crisis intervention, suicide prevention, emotional support and referrals to community services; over the phone, to individuals in Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and surrounding areas, through empowering our callers to make their own decisions and to problem solve.

Our trained volunteers are available to take your calls 24/7.

For more information on Telecare Cambridge please visit our website: http://www.telecarecambridge.com/

YFC/Youth Unlimited

YFC/Youth Unlimited continues to focus its efforts on meeting the needs of youth, believing that each individual's life is shaped by a number of facets that influence who they are as a whole: physical, emotional, spiritual, social and intellectual. We aim to develop each of these areas through relationships so that every youth may reach their full potential. The staff and volunteers of YFC/Youth Unlimited are dedicated to seeing young people develop holistically.

Cambridge YFC/Youth Unlimited is a satellite of Southwestern Ontario Youth for Christ and was born out of a desire in our region to meet the needs of local youth. Our primary target audience is youth between the ages of 10 to 19. Since the spring of 2007, Cambridge YFC/Youth Unlimited has worked to impact the lives of young people. We have a strong desire to partner with local agencies and churches in meeting the needs of local youth. Dedicated staff and volunteers continue to offer a variety of exciting opportunities for youth including drop-in, Paint With Purpose, an auto mentorship program in Cambridge, and more. Cambridge YFC/Youth Unlimited is currently working to build an even stronger connection with local agencies and churches in our city and surrounding area to meet the needs of youth. Our long-term plans include the expansion of our work to facilitate a greater presence and impact across all of Waterloo Region.

YWCA Cambridge

For over 70 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a respected leader on issues that impact women and girls in our community and respond to their needs through innovative programs, services and advocacy which build capacity and strengthen our community. We provide: licensed child care at four sites (Ryerson, St. Margaret, St. Elizabeth, St. James), LINC preschool, Summer Day Camps, Small Steps to Success (a pre-employment program for chronically unemployed or underemployed women), Roots of Empathy (an evidence-based social emotional learning program for students in JK to Grade 8) and the Women's International Gift & Gallery (a social enterprise of YWCA Cambridge). A considerable amount of our work involves investing in cisgender and transgender girls & non-binary youth: we provide a number of programs, workshops and events through YWCA Cambridge's community space, the W, as well as in-school programs and presentations across the Region. Our programming has proven to increase participants' levels of confidence, communication skills, capacity for resiliency, critical thinking skills and feelings of connectedness and belonging. Proceeds from Race to Erase will go directly to supporting the W to keep this space free and totally accessible for all who attend. For more information on YWCA Cambridge please visit our website: www.ywcacambridge.ca.