January 7, 2021

Jacqueline will tell you that painting changed her life.
While looking for a hobby, she tried many things, but there is just something about acrylic painting that makes all the difference for Jacqueline. She creates beautiful art, and even more importantly, it supports her mental and physical health in ways that surprised everyone.   
She says “Painting is a way to express myself and helps me deal with the stress and anxiety I have in my life. When I paint, I go into a world of my own.”
Jacqueline was born with Apert Syndrome and is receiving services from St.Amant’s Supported Independent Living program. Apert Syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities and has meant dozens of surgeries in her life. Recent years have brought additional challenges to Jacqueline. She began having two types of seizures, sometimes many in a single day.

The peace and tranquility Jacqueline feels when painting, not only improves her mental health, but her medical practitioners have been amazed at how it has led to a decrease in the number of seizures she has!
“Painting is like a meditation” she says, and it has greatly improved her overall health.
Jacqueline has dreamed of showcasing and selling her art and this recently became a reality. A piece of her art was auctioned during the 2020 St.Amant Party – Camp for 100 and several pieces were showcased in the entrance of the Marion Street Eatery over the holidays. Patrons of The Eatery were able to order gift baskets of local goods and a portion of those proceeds were donated to St.Amant Foundation. These combined efforts and generosity made it possible for Jacqueline to purchase a computer. This will help her stay connected to family, both near and far, and will also give her the opportunity to showcase and sell her art online.

October 20, 2020

Patrick is 41 years of age and is supported by St.Amant’s Community Residential Program. Patrick and his support team are always exploring new and exciting ways for him to explore his neighborhood and he loves outdoor activities. Biking, hiking, swinging on swings and jumping on trampolines are all regular choices for him. Your support recently funded a new trampoline for Patrick and he uses it often.
Patrick also recently received a tandem bicycle and he was so happy to ride it around his neighborhood for his MOVE challenge for the Free the Spirit Festival. This bike allows a support team member to ride with him rather than simply walking behind as was the case with his old one. This means Patrick can go further and faster!  He is thrilled!

Patrick is a man of many interests, and another passion of his is music. Music means a lot to Patrick and your support, combined with his own funds, enabled him to purchase his own musical instruments. He loves his guitar and ukulele and he uses them virtually every day.
Patrick’s string instruments are tuned in a unique way for him so that he can make a chord independently. Once tuned, he does the rest. He regularly plays the instruments and places his ear to the core while he strums the strings. The sounds and vibration of the strings is very stimulating and calming. This is an activity he loves and the instruments are among his most used possessions.
Thank you for supporting Patrick and his many passions! He, and the more than 2,100 other people supported by St.Amant, are grateful.

October 23, 2019

Thanks to you, a gym packed full of people booing, cheering, and heckling all got to experience the dazzling spectacle of elite Canadian wrestling — in the gym at St.Amant’s 440 River Road location.

Willis,  lives in a community home in Windsor Park and he’s supported by St.Amant. Willis was on the edge of his seat as four-time CWE champion Danny Duggan repeatedly threw down his opponent. He was especially excited to hang out with his buddy Garrett, who is also supported by St.Amant, and watch live wrestling together.
“Garrett’s coming! He’s my friend and he’s coming to the wrestling today! He’s going to sit beside me,” Willis exclaimed; his happy face fixed on the action inside the ring.
The annual CWE event is made possible thanks to your generous donation.
It’s an energetic display of theatrics and athleticism between a wild bunch of characters who love entertaining and showing how much they care.
The wrestlers ran around outside the ring between each match, taunting their opponents with colourful trash talk and stirring up the scene for everyone.
At intermission, Hot Shot Danny Duggan made sure the whole CWE crew took enough time so that everyone who wanted to capture a memory could pose for pictures with all the wrestlers.
“This is an annual tradition for our CWE family and it means so much to us. We always love being here, and we look forward to doing this for years to come,” Duggan said.
After the wrestling, Willis planned to head over to Garrett’s place for a pizza party, and after that, to a Halloween dance with a few more friends.
Willis’ eyes are shining with happiness and he’s a busy guy with lots of friends and places to go.
You’re helping people supported by St.Amant to form and strengthen friendships built around their shared experiences and interests with others.
Your gifts are combatting loneliness and social isolation.
You’re giving many people great days to look forward to, and to remember always.
Thank you!