 |
October 18, 2011
Francine Di Giacomo
Stichy Lizard Embroidery & Digitizing
171 East Liberty Street, Suite 137 Toronto, ON M6K 3P6
Dear Francine,
On behalf of Distress Centres, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support of our fourteen—annual B.A.D. Ride (Bikers Against Despair). Despite rain in the forecast and a damp beginning for some, by the time motorcyclists arrived at the start venue, the day had evolved into perfect riding weather. And, what a day it was! In total, there were approximately 900 vehicles and 1300 participants who raised $175,000 in support of the life-sustaining programs offered by our agency. As always, because of the significant contribution of our sponsors, we are proudly able to say that 100% of the dollars raised by our riders goes directly to support service delivery. Thank you for making this possible.
Please know that you have truly made a difference...every fundraised dollar has been put directly into use on behalf of our most vulnerable members of the community. The very technology that provides the helpline infrastructure, our multi-language access and many of our new program initiatives have all been paid for by B.A.D. Ride dollars.
The B.A.D. Ride continues to be Distress Centres' number one community outreach event. And, you have played an essential role in its success. When we say "There's a life on the line", we mean it. . Thank you for being a link in our lifeline so that we can provide a lifeline for those in need.
Yours truly,
Karen Letofsky
Executive Director
|
 |
For the 3rd consecutive year Stitchy Lizard has chosen to support the Toronto Distress Centres. One of their major fundraising event is the B.A.D. Ride. This year the ride wil be on Sunday May 30th, 2010.
All embroidery for this event is donated and done by Stitchy Lizard.
Check out their website for more information.
www.thebadride.com
About the Distress Centres:
Since 1967, Distress Centres has been providing an around-the-clock emotional safety net for community members who are socially marginalized, distressed, in crisis, victims of violence or suicidal. Last year, more than 120,000 calls were answered on our help lines. Through our Survivor Support Programme, hundreds of other individuals received face-to-face grief counseling in the tragic aftermath of a death by suicide or homicide. Distress Centres was also able to provide service to countless professionals, organizations and concerned citizens through the training and consultation provided by our Community Outreach Programme. Each and every service is provided free of charge to participants. In an attempt to ensure easy access to our crisis lines, we have a TTY line for the hearing impaired and employ a 151 language–interpreter service. |
 |
Stitchy Lizard has donated T-Shirts and magnets in support of Thomas.
Thomas Bourke is a 6 year old boy born with cerebral palsy, a brain abnormality that restricts movement and coordination of his muscles. He requires assistance to sit, crawl and walk and has difficulty speaking and using his hands to feed, dress and hold a writing instrument. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, specialized therapy aimed to increase movement and function will improve a child's quality of life and is most successful when administered at an early age.
Thomas' diagnosis arrived shortly after his 1st birthday and since then he has engaged in many forms of therapy, attended specialized nursery schools and camps and traveled to China to undergo stem cell treatment. Life at home continues to be consumed with learning opportunities that engage his mobility and augment his communication and life skills. While Thomas' days are unconventional and challenging and often require him to be away from home, he is fortunate to have opportunities that allow him to consistently develop and meet his potential.
The Hope for Thomas is to achieve a future that allows him to be as independent as he possibly can.
|
