After 24 years at Variety Village, I feel like I’ve helped raise my fair share of kids.
I’ve worked with youth who have gone on to win gold at the Paralympics, become inspiring teachers, professionals and parents. Others have developed the skills and confidence to live independently.
As a Variety Village supporter, you know that this is a magical place. It’s a place where people are seen for what they can do – not what they can’t do. It’s a welcoming place – whether you’re a youngster with Down Syndrome competing on our Taekwondo team, an adult with autism working out in the weight room or a senior swimming laps in the pool.
But what happens to a child without a village? In the last 24 years, Variety Village has had its ups and downs. But we may be facing our toughest times right now. That’s why I am doing something that’s not in my nature: I’m asking for your help.
You support Variety, so I know you care about the kids who benefit from our inclusive programs. I think it’s important you know we have had a difficult year financially.Sales of assets, which will meet some of our cash flow challenges, will take longer than expected. And with the global economic situation, fundraising from corporations and foundations will be tough in the coming months.
I am asking you to help us through this challenging time – to help ensure more kids will grow into confident adults far into the future. Please make a donation today.
In 24 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes. When I first arrived, the Village only had a gym and weight room. Now, it’s a world-class, inclusive and accessible facility with a specially designed pool and adapted equipment to meet the unique needs of our members. The one thing that has not changed is our unwavering belief in inclusion.
And I’ve seen the results: whether it’s the 2008 Paralympians who trained at the Village bringing medals home - or watching kids blossom in an environment that includes and embraces them and celebrates who they are.
And it’s not just here that I see it. The Village’s influence extends beyond the walls of this world-class facility. The lessons learned over the last two decades have been translated into curriculum at colleges and universities.
One of my proudest moments was when inclusive practices became a priority of the
physical education department at University of Toronto. I now teach their third and
fourth year students how to make their classes inclusive, as well as teaching workshops for York University, OISE, Georgian, Fanshawe, Humber and Canadore Colleges. And what makes me even prouder is teaching alongside instructors like Nicole, Robert and Matthew. I first met them when they were kids at the Village. Today, they’re inspirational educators who are helping to break down barriers.
I love what I do. And Variety Village programs are too important to too many people to risk losing them. That’s why we need your help. While we have a new business plan, a renewed focus on fundraising and new key members of the management team, we are concerned that immediate needs may jeopardize longer-term planning. Supporters like you will make the difference in the coming months.
I hope you will join me and support Variety Village during this difficult time by making a donation today.
With heartfelt thanks,
Archie Allison
Director, Access and Awareness
P.S. Your help is needed - NOW. Time is not on our side. Support like yours is
crucial to get us through this crunch, so longer-term plans can be put into place.I hope you’ll support Variety Village and our kids and make a donation today.
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