Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

Gift Allocation:

All funds raised as part of this year's race will benefit Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region's I Choose Dignity initiative. Begun four years ago, I Choose Dignity maintains its simple purpose: engage the community in an ongoing dialogue about belonging and inclusion. Through collaborations with different partners that speak to Waterloo Region's diverse community, the I Choose Dignity movement has grown to include:

 - The annual Count Me In Rally sees more than 300 people walk through Kitchener in a celebration of community diversity. Powerful speakers, entertainers and community leaders join individuals and families at Kitchener City Hall for an evening of celebration and inspiration.

- The Inclusion Celebration honours businesses and individuals who have made a significant contribution to building inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Past recipients include Dolphin Digital and Fertile Ground Farms. This year's recipients include former mayors Brenda Halloran and Carl Zehr.

- I Choose Dignity in the Classroom connects with students in grades 1 through 3 during a five-week program that celebrates each child's unique gifts and talents. Through self-discovery, the program creates a deep and lasting conversation amongst children around the beauty of inclusion.

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region's I Choose Dignity movement would simply not be possible without the community's support - and it is deeply appreciated.