Category: Foundation News

News


Recap: The Kiwanis Charity Golf Classic in Support of the St.Amant Foundation

July 9, 2024

The Kiwanis Charity Golf Classic, held on Wednesday, June 12, was a resounding success! Golfers, sponsors, and supporters gathered for a day of fun and philanthropy at the beautiful Maplewood Golf Club in St-Pierre Jolys. The event, in support of the St.Amant Foundation, brought together the community to enjoy a round of golf while raising funds for an important cause.

It fortunately turned out to be a beautiful day. Participants enjoyed a well-organized event with plenty of opportunities to showcase their golfing skills and win prizes. A big thank you to the hosts at Maplewood Golf Club in St-Pierre Jolys. The course was in excellent condition, providing the fun setting for both seasoned golfers and beginners.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Exciting Golf Competition: Teams competed in a friendly yet competitive round, with plenty of laughs and fun.
  • Prizes and Giveaways: Prizes were awarded throughout the day, adding to the excitement for all participants.
  • Community Spirit: The event brought together individuals and businesses from across the community, all united in their support for the St.Amant Foundation.

Celebrating Excellence: Scholarship Winners

A special highlight of the day was the presentation of the Ed & Margaret Guertin & Robert F. de Leeuw Memorial Scholarships. This year, we are proud to congratulate the deserving recipients, Nicole Shen and Alina Joy. Both Nicole and Alina have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement, making them worthy recipients of these prestigious scholarships.

Supporting the St.Amant Foundation

The primary goal of the Kiwanis Charity Golf Classic is to support the St.Amant Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will help us purchase a new van for the children’s respite home in Winnipeg. This van will allow staff to ensure children staying at the home can continue to take part in their activities, be a part of the community, and have fun!

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible. Your generosity and enthusiasm are what make events like this successful. Together, we are making a positive difference in our community.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the success of this year’s Kiwanis Charity Golf Classic, we are already looking forward to next year’s event. The continued support from our community is crucial in helping the St.Amant Foundation achieve its mission. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved.

For more information about the St.Amant Foundation and how you can support their efforts, please visit https://stamant.ca/foundation/.

News


A Slamming Success: Amateur Wrestling Event at St.Amant

May 30, 2024

Last month, St.Amant was thrilled to host a high-energy amateur wrestling event: a highlight for many in the community. Spearheaded by Ed Charbonneau, Jamerina Charbonneau and Denise Henry from Recreation / Health & Transition Services, this event was made possible through generous funding from the St.Amant Foundation.

With an impressive turnout of more than 130 attendees in the gym at 440 River Road, the atmosphere was both thrilling and vibrant. For many, both staff and individuals we support, it was a chance to see professional wrestlers up close and experience the excitement of live sports entertainment. The event featured several professional wrestlers who delighted the crowd with their impressive athleticism and dramatic performances.

The wrestling event was not only an exhilarating spectacle but also a meaningful opportunity for community engagement. Ed Charbonneau said, “events like these are terrific because we are able to bring the community together for a unique experience.”

Such events play a crucial role in the lives of those we support, offering a break from routine and a chance to partake in fun, social activities. The wrestling event is just one example of how we strive to create enriching experiences for the more than 5,000 people who benefit from St.Amant’s services.

Charbonneau expressed heartfelt gratitude to our donors, stating, “thank you to the donors for supporting St.Amant Foundation and providing these unique, fun and rewarding opportunities for the more than 5,000 people St.Amant supports.” 

The success of this event underscores the impact of donor generosity, highlighting how contributions directly enhance the lives of those we serve.

We look forward to more exciting events in the future, continuing to foster community spirit and providing memorable experiences for all involved. Thank you once again to our incredible donors for making such events possible. Your support is invaluable to us and the entire St.Amant community!

News


It’s with mixed emotions…

March 11, 2024

After 13 years with the St.Amant Foundation, it’s with very mixed emotions I announce that I’m stepping down as Executive Director, effective March 28, 2024.

Thirteen years has passed in a flash, and somehow also feels like a lifetime when I think about the incredible friendships I’ve made along the way. You are the reason I’ve stayed at St.Amant this long, and you are the reason it’s hard to leave. From my very first day, I was welcomed by people we support – from those who have moved on to live in community and who I get to see at events and celebrations, to welcomed visits in community homes and family homes. It’s been incredible to witness the changes to St.Amant’s services and to play a role in supporting and advocating for change. Nothing has brought me more joy than to see the money you’ve donated bring incredible opportunities, smiles and memories to people’s lives.

When I think about my time here, there are many moments that rise to the top, working with an incredible group of donors and people we support and staff to dream the Spirit Cottage and then watch it come to life. Sometimes I’ll take a little walk around the garden and peek over onto the cottage grounds on a warm spring day just to catch a glimpse or hear the joy of that little urban retreat in action.

Our corporate partners have been incredible allies helping to renovate a very old building into dignified, beautiful spaces that offer services very differently than in 1959. Many of these partners have been our steady supports and the backbone of each Foundation event, that not only raise money but also bring our community together. The Free the Spirit Festival has always been one of my favourite days of the year as I watch reunion after reunion all day long.

I have had the enormous gift of witnessing the collective benefit of every donor’s gift meet a need, fulfill a dream or inspire someone to grow into their potential. These, sometimes seemingly small moments have filled my heart and fuelled my passion every single day. Whether it’s a basket of art supplies – that’s resulted in an art hobby turning into a small business, a brand new wheelchair that’s enabling participation or orthopaedic footwear helping someone comfortably leave the house, no gift was without significant meaning for the person on the receiving end.

Throughout the years I have been humbled by the volunteerism from so many in our community. From big Festival events to hundreds of gift wrapping shifts to delivering cookies all around the city, the sheer number of people that are dedicated to supporting everyone to live good, meaningful lives never ceases to amaze me. The generosity and kindness I have witnessed is almost unreal.

To say that St.Amant and St.Amant Foundation has formed a permanent etch in my heart is an understatement. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity, the trust placed in me and friendships I have made.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone that St.Amant has supported over the years, and your families, for entrusting me with your stories, for generously helping me to understand how I can help and for gently taking me along as your needs changed over the years.

Thank you to each of my colleagues within St.Amant who are donors, volunteers, teachers and friends. Through all of you, I have learned and become a passionate and conversant advocate. I didn’t know 13 years ago that I would be able to explain how mobility equipment works or why it’s customized and how important that is, but you have shared so generously in your expertise, that I have felt confident helping others to see a glimpse into your work.

To my board members (past and present), your leadership, vision, support and trust has meant the world to me. I have grown in ways I didn’t know I could through your guidance, mentorship and coaching. Thank you for believing in St.Amant Foundation and for believing in me and my team.

And to my team (past and present), there are no other people I would rather spend my days with, dreaming of ways to improve our work to raise ever-more money to make more dreams come true. You are just the most passionate and dedicated group of people who have taught me so much. I will miss seeing our dreams move from a brainstorm into action and celebrating those outcomes together. But even more than our work, I will miss hearing about your day to day lives. We made it through a global pandemic, lifting each other up, while navigating the unknown and watching each other’s lives play out behind our shoulders on our computer screens. All while “pivoting” and continuing to meet our community’s needs. Thank you for your friendship, your support, your passion and energy. I’m so incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and with the help of our incredible community. I will continue to be supporting and cheering you on, just from a different seat.

With heartfelt thanks,

Juliette

News


You Helped Mateo Prepare for School

July 20, 2023

Mateo is a friendly, creative, and smart 5-year-old boy who has attended the St.Amant Autism Early Learning Program for the past two years. He is passionate about world geography and climate and can easily recite all the world’s continents without missing a beat.  Mateo’s smile lights up a room, and he will graciously offer you a hug or a fist bump to let you know that he cares about you. 

But things were not always so easy for Mateo.

As a toddler, Mateo struggled to communicate and in his frustration would scratch and bite to get his point across.  He really didn’t like being touched and had a hard time regulating his emotions. More than not, Mateo wouldn’t react to his name being called.

All of this confused Mateo’s mom and dad. Why was Mateo’s behaviour so unbalanced? Was it possible that Mateo had a problem with his hearing? Why wasn’t he hitting all the usual milestones that many children experience?

Mateo with his mom and dad – Violeta and Lance, sitting on a couch

With so many questions, Mateo’s parents, Violeta and Lance headed to their pediatrician to see if they could find a solution.  After many tests and much time waiting on a specialist, it was finally determined that Mateo has autism.

While this diagnosis can be a scary outcome for any parent, Violeta and Lance took it with stride, relieved by knowing what they needed to do next. Violeta and Lance found St.Amant and they knew after their first meeting that this would be the right program for Mateo.

It didn’t take too long for things to change for Mateo once he arrived at St.Amant. With the benefit of sensory toys, one-on-one support, and a structured schedule, Mateo’s behaviour began to change. Communication started to get easier, changing frustrating situations into positive outcomes.

Sensory toys such as the new swings purchased thanks to your support, were used to access gross motor and sensory experiences, all while giving Mateo the opportunity to learn social skills with new friends as they shared and pushed each other on the swing. 

Mateo swinging on the new sensory swing

All children are different in how they learn and grow. For children with Autism, having the many resources that are offered through St.Amant makes a tremendous difference for not only the child but for their family.  Violeta feels incredibly fortunate saying, “We are so grateful to St.Amant and to the many donors who helped support such a great program. Not only has Mateo become the caring and friendly child he is today, but we have been given the tools that we need to help him continue on this new path”.

Mateo is excited to graduate at the end of August from the St.Amant Autism Early Learning Program.  September marks a new milestone for Mateo that he is eagerly anticipating, his first day of grade 1!

Thanks to your support, St.Amant is able to offer the necessary tools to children with autism and thanks to you, Mateo is ready to make new friends and shine in his new classroom.

Mateo

News


You Can Help Make Learning FUN!

July 11, 2023

“I’ve been waiting for a space like this!” – says Marlys, St.Amant Occupational Therapist.

Your help is needed! With your generous donation and the matching gift from the families of Collin Gyles and Lindsay Tashiro, this dream can become a reality!


St.Amant’s clinicians, and the children they work with, need a space designed to accommodate therapeutic group sessions for children with complex medical needs.

you can make an enormous difference in the life of a child with complex medical needs


These group sessions promote motor skills development, enhance communication skills, and provide essential social interaction with peers. Having a space designed with these needs in mind will help clinicians provide the highest level of care and improve the lives of the children they work with. Your donation will help to create an environment that fosters exploration, imagination, and joy; all essential elements needed for children to reach their full potential.

Staff, volunteers and family members have a vision of how an unused drab and dreary space can be transformed into an inclusive, accessible play area designed specifically for the children supported by St.Amant.


Your help is needed to bring their vision to life!


St.Amant physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and music therapists will help design this newly renovated space. This will ensure that the best environment is created to facilitate group therapeutic sessions that promote physical, cognitive, and social development.

Play is a powerful tool for growth and is an important part of a child’s development.


Here’s how your donation will make a difference:

  1. Improve Safety and Accessibility: Your support will help fund specialized equipment that will convert an underutilized space into a place where children can play and learn without limitations.
  2. Therapeutic Resources: Your donation will purchase age-appropriate toys, educational materials, and musical instruments to enhance each child’s growth and development.
  3. Sensory Stimulation: Your generosity will create a sensory rich space that accommodates the unique needs of each child, incorporating lights, sounds, and textures that promote sensory exploration.
  4. Comfort and Adaptability: Your contribution will create a welcoming and adaptable space that considers the comfort and accessibility requirements of children with complex medical needs, and their families.

“I am so looking forward to having a bright cheery space that we can use! This is important not just for clinicians, but for families and volunteers as well. I can hardly wait!” Marlys says with a smile!

Every child deserves an opportunity to experience the joys of play, regardless of their abilities. Your support can create a safe and engaging play area that will positively affect the lives of these incredible children and their families.

By donating today, you will improve the lives of countless children who require specialized care.

Donate

News


Kelsey’s Story

June 28, 2023

Kelsey is a mom of two and a foster provider in St.Amant’s Foster Services Program.

As a foster provider, she and her entire family provide a warm, nurturing temporary home to children with complex care needs. These children require specialized support and extended hours of care, so access to respite is essential.

Kelsey and her family standing near a river.

St.Amant Respite Service provides Kelsey vital time to rest and recharge from caregiving. “It’s just so important to turn off that part of my brain once in a while,” she says. “It’s hard work!”

You can help create a bright, colourful play space for children when accessing respite services at St.Amant!

Donate Now

Burnout is a real concern for foster providers; access to respite is important for their mental health and their family’s overall well-being. Initially, Kelsey only used respite when they had a special event to attend, but she soon realized that she wasn’t getting the break she needed because she was always on the go.

“I felt that, if we were just staying home, it didn’t make sense to use respite, but we got very burnt out in the beginning,” Kelsey says.

As exhaustion set in after a few months, Kelsey realized it was okay to use the available supports, but she says her “mama heart still feels a little guilty. I have seen how important being in a home environment is for the child placed in our care. It would be much easier to access respite care if I knew that she would have access to a similar homey space to play and explore.”

Kelsey and one of the children she supports.

Your donation can make this a reality!

When Kelsey heard about the upcoming renovation project and the opportunity to create a fresh new play space, she was thrilled. “That is exactly what we need!”

“I would like it to have more squishy mats on the floor because I know she loves to roll around. Now that she’s learning to weight bear, foam blocks of different heights would help her practice moving around on her own. A variety of musical instruments, drums, and textured mats and toys would also be wonderful,” Kelsey says. “She loves music!”

Your gift can provide the tools needed to increase independence and encourage learning and play!

“I know that the respite staff can meet all her medical needs, and they know her well, so that eases my mind a lot. She has complex care requirements, so I can’t just let anyone take care of her. It can be difficult to get a break.”

This proposed play area will ease Kelsey’s tender “mama heart,” make the transition from home to respite and back easier for all, and give the children she supports a chance to learn and play while she recharges.

Donate Now

News


You Can Help a Child Play and Learn

May 29, 2023

Donate today and your gift doubles!

June 1, 2023

Dear Reader,

Hello! My name is Brenda, and I’m a volunteer at St.Amant. I’m writing to you to share about a project that’s very important to me and will improve the lives of children supported by St.Amant.

Have you recently watched a young child play? Maybe your own child, a grandchild, or the son or daughter of a friend or family member?

If so, you know the joy of hearing an uninhibited laugh or witnessing a smile that lights up a small face. And you know the importance of play for all kids.

Today, I’m asking for your help to create a dedicated play area for children with complex medical needs.
Some of these children need a little extra medical support or rehabilitation services before they can go back home. Others come for short respite stays or sometimes, end-of-life care.

No matter the reason for their visit, each child has access to a support team with a wide variety of skills and expertise. This means children are getting the highest level of care in an out-of-hospital setting, and for that, I’m so grateful.

As a volunteer “baby cuddler”, I get to focus on play, companionship and making meaningful connections.

But as you know, play isn’t just for fun. It’s an essential part of a child’s development!

Over the years, I’ve connected with dozens of kids at St.Amant. Some have been infants, while others have been toddlers, school-aged kids, teens and young adults.

No matter how old they are, each child is special, and they have their own unique personalities, gifts and challenges. And one thing is universal… all kids want to PLAY!

The kids I support need your help.

The lounge area currently used for play is a small, shared space for children of all ages and their families. This means the singing of nursery rhymes to a baby sometimes interrupts a teenager that is trying to watch TV.

There is an alternate space earmarked to be a dedicated play area but it desperately needs renovation. We need your donation to make it a reality!

The current space is currently very beige, with a hodgepodge of shelving and scuffed-up walls, as well as flooring in dire need of replacement. Can you help turn this into a bright colourful space?

It needs a fresh coat of paint, some cheerful murals, and a complete overhaul of seating options and toys that meet the needs of children of all ages and abilities.

Your gift will create a new adaptive, accessible play area by:

  • exchanging fluorescent lights for fiber optic light stands, lamps with dimmers and bubble tubes to improve accessibility for children with light sensitivities
  • allowing little ones to get down on the floor to explore and move on mats and blocks with soft edges of various heights to practice sitting, crawling, and standing
  • purchasing new adapted toys and sensory equipment
  • replacing damaged books with durable, colourful reading material for kids of all ages

As a mom, I’m asking you to put yourself in the shoes of every parent who trusts St.Amant to create a fun, comfortable and welcoming space.

My motto is “Make it count” and I do my best to make every day meaningful. I work in the corporate world, and during my most stressful times, I often find myself counting down the days or hours until my next volunteer shift. St.Amant is my happy place and you can help make it even happier!

Your support today will create an amazing play area for the children supported by St.Amant and bring joy to them and their loved ones. Can the kids and I count on your support?

Sincerely,

Brenda
Volunteer Baby Cuddler

P.S. Like me, I know you want to brighten the lives of the children supported by St.Amant and give them every opportunity to play! Visit StAmant.ca/play to give today!

Donate Now

This document is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact nfehr@stamant.ca.

News


You Are Making Doug’s Retirement Fun

April 27, 2023

Thanks to you, Doug, who is 55 years old, can age in place in his community, where he’s creating friendships and doing the things he loves most – Retirement has never felt so good.


Doug spent most of his life living with his parents and sister, but after they passed away, Doug moved in with his brother Mark, who is 20 years older than him, and his sister-in-law, Wendy. They lived a happy life together in their home for over 12 years.


When they noticed Doug was having difficulty getting up the stairs, experiencing vision loss, and showing early signs of dementia, worry set in. “I didn’t have the physical strength to do it anymore.” Says Mark.
As it became more difficult for them to safely care for Doug, their search for a safe, home-like environment with the support he needed led them to St.Amant’s Community Residential Program.


“We knew the best place for him would be within a family-like setting. That’s exactly what he has here, with his roommates,” Wendy says. “Doug is still Doug, but he’s happier now. He’s coming out of his shell! He’s asking for help. He’s even eating better.” she sighs with relief.

You are helping Doug do the things he loves most and ensuring that, no matter what the future holds for him health-wise, he can stay in his home and age in place. His home is fully accessible and equipped with lifts in each room of the house, thanks to your support.


Doug loves celebrating the holidays, going out for cookies with his friends, and painting beautiful works of art in his home. He is also a big comic fan, and thanks to you, he was able to attend Comiccon last year and meet some of his favourite characters.

two people at comicon. The person in the wheelchair is sitting beside a person dressed as spiderman.


YOU are allowing him to live his life to the fullest. Thank you for giving Doug the opportunity to enjoy his retirement and for helping him safely age in place in his new home!

News


You Increased Confidence and Independence

April 27, 2023

Aaron likes to say “I live in the smartest home around!” and it is all thanks to you! Your generosity gave Aaron the technology he needed to feel confident and comfortable in his home.  

It’s important for Aaron’s mental health that he knows what’s going to happen next. He relies on routine and structure to feel at ease. He frequently asks “what’s the next step?” Knowing this about him, his support staff saw an opportunity to use technology that empowers Aaron to manage his own schedule.

This predictability reduced his anxiety and increased his independence.

Writing is difficult for Aaron, which makes it hard for him to keep track of important events in his life. Thanks to new smart home technology like an Alexa, funded by donor support, he now creates calendar reminders and grocery lists by using his voice! He even gets Alexa it to leave notes for his staff and to create to do lists. He loves lists!

a man wearing a jets jersey sitting on a blue chair, next to his ipad and a light that has a blue coloured hue.

Alexa also helps him find recipes, tells him jokes, and plays games.

Aaron thrives in a calm atmosphere, and thanks to your generosity, his home has been equipped with all the tools he needs to make his home as relaxing and comfortable as possible.  

He has technology that can set the tone in his space to suit his mood. He uses dim, warm coloured lights, calming music, and an electric fireplace for times of relaxation. He even has a sunrise setting that uses the lights to wake him up in the morning gradually.

It’s not always “chill time” at Aaron’s. He’s also a huge sports fan! He has a Jets-themed bedroom, and he uses his smart home tech to change his lights to blue and red for the ultimate game night vibe. “Alexa, turn the lights to Go Jets Go!”

His mom, Susan, is amazed by the smart home technology that has been implemented by his support staff and the difference it is making for Aaron. “These guys are much more technology savvy than we are, and the gadgets they have set up have helped Aaron tremendously!”

There were times when Aaron’s anxiety would overwhelm him. Now that he can use this technology to make lists or notes whenever he wants, it helps to get many of his anxious thoughts out of his head. Susan marvels at how much it has helped.

Other smart home tech that is making Aaron’s life easier is a smart lock, a smart doorbell with a camera, and even a cereal dispenser that ensures he has the perfect portion size every time.

Before the smart lock was installed, Aaron would sometimes be so worried about losing his keys that it would take all the joy out of his outings. This new technology allows him to enjoy going out with friends and family instead of stressing about losing his keys.

When Aaron is asked what his favorite smart tool is, he smiles widely and says, “All of it!”

Thank you for making his house a home!

a person wearing a blue jets jersey, instanding infront of his bed with blue blankets a jets pillow and a jets logo on his wall

News


Sebastien Can Focus, Thanks to You

April 27, 2023

Sebastien is five years old and is supported by the St.Amant Autism Early Learning Program. This amazing little boy is very active. He loves to climb, bounce and swing, but his mom says that at times, “it can be difficult for him to focus. He gets frustrated!”

little boy sitting on a climber with a smile in his classroom


He needed an outlet, a safe space to do what he loves most. Thanks to your generosity Sebastien’s Early Learning Classroom got a new climber, and it’s exactly what he needed. His mom says, ”he’s such an active little boy. This equipment has really helped him focus. He has a go-to when he’s feeling frustrated or upset. It’s a great way to redirect him and to allow him to do something he loves! It gives him a break.”

Thanks to your donations, this equipment helped Sebastien meet his sensory needs and regulate his body right there in his classroom, all while having fun. That means Sebastien can focus and he’s learning new things! “This has even helped him at home. He is more ok with us redirecting him toward doing safe activities in our house,” says Sebastien’s mom.

You made such a difference in Sebastien’s life!

little boy smiling standing in a kitchen holding three yellow balls and one purple ball, holding one under his chin.