Franken-closet

It's Halloween and, much like Mary Shelley wrote in her novel of Victor Frankenstein and his grotesque monster masterpiece, tonight calls for our own creepy creation. If you haven't already made your way to Value Village the one stop shop for ALL your Halloween needs, don't sweat it - you're not alone!

Like most of us, you're probably very busy. Daily life is hectic and we don't always have time to plan out our costume in advance. There is a good chance many of you have no idea what you're wearing tonight and that's okay because you're only human - for now...

...but not tonight... March in to that closet and dig out all your awkward, vintage, accessory pieces and lay them out on your floor. There's definitely a winning combination somewhere in that mess. Check out cool last minute home made costume ideas here or pull a Frankenstein and conjure up your own original mad scientist creation. 

Don't worry about the rest of the pieces laying around that didn't make the cut. Load those up and call us at 416-244-0899 - we will pick up any used clothing you would like to donate. You can feel good about helping others create their costume for next year and donating funds to OFCP programs and services. 

1000 Facebook Likes Contest

Spread the word to friends and family!

Help us reach 1000 likes on our OFCP Facebook page! If you are one of the 1000 likes before we reach our goal, we will enter your name in a draw to win a $50.00 Swiss Chalet card!
 

Owen Derby at the Scotiabank Marathon

Last Sunday two OFCP employees ventured down to greet Owen as he embarked on the 1K mark at the #scotiabankmarathon to cheer on #TeamOwen! Owen was all smiles and high spirits, picking up his pace as he caught a glimpse of our home made signs. Great job Owen! Thank you for dedicating all your pledges to OFCP, we're your #1 fans!

Ben's Visit to OFCP

Ben, a fifth grader at Upper Canada College, made a huge impression on OFCP with his Me to We Day project. 

We Day was held on Oct. 2. It's a massive event in Toronto for the generation of youth who decide to look beyond themselves and participate in initiatives serving the greater good. You can't buy a ticket to We Day, you must earn it through service.

Ben was born premature was at risk of having cerebral palsy. Although he didn't, he loves helping out organizations like OFCP. Ben's mom Tara told us their family already donates to OFCP twice a year, but this time was special. 

The Me to We Day Initiative challenges young people to engage in active citizenship. Ben wanted to take this one step further so he decided to collect clothing donations for OFCP! After sending out a bunch of emails Ben and Tara went around collecting clothing from friends and family. He even brought in some of his little brother Max's toys!

When Ben was asked what he learned he told us,
"Giving back feels really good. It was surprising how just a few emails resulted in such a big donation. One small act multiplied by a million can make a really big difference."

Ben's donation: 240 pounds of used clothing & items!

Thank you Ben, Tara and everyone who donated to Ben's initiative! Because of wonderful people like you, OFCP is able to contribute to so many people with cerebral palsy in Ontario. 

Spotlight Interview

In the summer of 2014, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy launched a new initiative, shining the spotlight on people connected to our community and learning a little bit more about them. In July, we featured Joe Jessop as our first interviewee. Joe has chosen Christine Hunt, an augmentative communication facilitator from North Yorkers for Disabled Persons as his “Spotlight Interview Star”. Chris supports the clients of North Yorkers for Disabled Persons around their communication needs. Many of her clients are AAC users. 

Joe has known Chris for over 15 years. Joe was a past client of North Yorkers and currently attends the Communication Enrichment Program there. Below are the questions that Joe asked of Chris.

Q. Chris, you are a hard working person. What is the job you have done most of your life? What do you like the most about it? What do you like the least?
 
“The job I currently hold is the one I have had the longest. I really enjoy working with the clients of North Yorkers. I love the variety of work and the fact that every day is different. I feel that in your work you should have a positive impact on the people you support. It is really nice to feel a sense of accomplishment from the day before, to enjoy the day you are in and look forward to the next days to come. This makes for a successful job and more importantly, a successful life.”

“What I like the least about my work is the traffic!
I live in Richmond Hill and travel down into north Toronto. Some days, I can be in my car for 2 and a half hours.”
 
Q. Which do you think you have the most of: talent, intelligence, education or persistence? How has it helped you in your work life?
 
“I think I have a huge amount of persistence. It often helps in my work, when the tenants encounter roadblocks. I feel that being persistent on behalf of others can be easier than doing it for yourself!

Q. How have your dreams changed form when you were younger?

“When I was young and single, I often thought of my life and how it would unfold... Now I dream of a wonderful life for my 2 sons, whom I am so proud of. I dream of a life that is full of laughter and love and purpose for our sons”.
 
 
Q. How would you describe me (Joe Jessop)?
 
“Courageous, independent, sensitive, and funny” 
 
Q. Who has had the most profound effect on your work life and how?
 
“The clients have, by far, had the most impact on me. I admire their independence and commitment to each other. I admire the families and support circles that surround our clients.”


OFCP would like to thank both Joe and Chris for their thoughtful questions and answers. We encourage the members to read the next spotlight interview...who knows?  It may be you...
 

20 years with OFCP

Lynn Addae and Marilyn Delores have been with OFCP for a wonderful 20 years. We celebrated the milestone with gift cards, speeches, and their favourite cake flavours - chocolate and vanilla!

Lynn: 

"My 20 years with OFCP has been an amazing journey.  November of 1994 I was hired to coordinate an international conference for May 1996. To organize an event of this magnitude is a challenge in itself, especially for someone who never coordinated a conference before. After many trials and tribulations, the 3-day conference arrived as a huge success with attendees from Italy, England, India, Australia, Kuwait, Mexico, Slovenia, and the United States!

For the following 17 years I organized a minimum of 2 conferences per year. Each one took on a life of its own with unique and special memories I'll always cherish. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to meet and work with such an array of eclectic entertainers, speakers, performers, musicians, and authors. I will always carry the skills I've developed over the years from working with venue staff, event planners, world class chefs, technical audio & visual staff, and disc jockeys. 

It was especially rewarding to see the evolution of the one word 'conference' to the culmination of the final 3-day event! 

Here's a story I'll never forget: The yoga workshop of 40 participants ironically turned out to be a complete health hazard! The Yoga Health Workshop was purposely set up in the brightest, freshly painted workshop room with a peaceful view of the trees and lapping waves along the shoreline. Ahh....tranquility... Until - ten minutes into their workshop and a great deal of deep relaxing breathing, participants came staggering out more than a little overcome from fresh paint fumes! 

I frantically made arrangements for an alternative room and moved 40 yoga mats in order to continue the workshop. 

That's only one of my many memorable experiences, all to be cherished and etched into my 20 year journey with OFCP. 

A huge heartfelt thank you to OFCP for taking the chance and providing me with the amazing past 20 years!"

Marilyn: 

"Time has gone by so fast.

October 1994 I started working part time with OFCP. I started as a Telephone Representative (TR) calling the donors and asking if they have used clothes to be picked up. We encountered so many generous people and I enjoyed working with the 7 or 9 TR's at the time. We only had 3 trucks running for pick ups. Today we've grown to over 190 employees with 35 trucks on the road. I'm responsible for 60 TR's and 15 drivers. 

A few weeks after I was hired we started to grow and expand. At that time I was promoted from a TR to a supervisor and joined the management team. 

As I think back to all the changes at OFCP I remember all the lessons learned and how I became more confident over the years. I feel that we are one big happy family. Ups and downs have made us solid and we've learned so much from each other - this is what creates a strong family.

Managing the drivers on a daily basis is quite the challenge...why? They're like my babies! Respect for each other is what kept me here so long.

It's been such a journey. I am proud and filled with joy beyond measure. I'm honoured to reach this 20 year milestone and hope for another 20 to come."

OFCP Annual General Meeting 

The Annual General Meeting for the Ontario Federation was held on Tuesday October 14^th 2014 at Holland Bloorview Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road in Toronto. Over 85 people were in attendance.

At the request of our members, several changes were incorporated into this meeting. These changes include; posting reports and agenda items on a big screen to best assist members in reading information, hosting the Annual General Meeting independent of any other social event, encouraging members to fully contribute to the meeting and more time allotted for questions and answers. These changes lead to a highly successful event.

The feedback we received from attendees was extremely positive and we would like to thank each and every member who contributed to the success of our meeting! A special thank you to Lise Dorian, Carol Lyons and Annette Frigault for assisting the Federation with our nominations and voting process!
 
See you next year!
 
OFCP Board of Directors and Staff

Survey Time!

OFCP Members:
 
We value your input!  Please take 5 minutes out of your day to complete the following questionnaire!
 
The OFCP will spend this coming year engaging with our membership and hearing from you.  What is important to you?  Where do you want the Federation to direct it’s energies?  What are the needs of our members living in remote areas of Ontario?  Please share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.
 
This questionnaire is for OFCP’s information only.  We do not ask for your name therefore the information you provide us with is anonymous.
 
Please click here to complete.  Thank you!!
 

Queen's Young Leaders

Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become a Queen's Young Leader? 

On July 9^th the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust’s youth programme, The Queen’s Young Leaders, launched at Buckingham Palace by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. This new, unique programme will discover, celebrate, and support young people from all over the Commonwealth who are transforming their own lives and the future of others around them. 

Every year for the next four years 60 award winners will receive a tailored package of training, mentor and networking opportunities, and a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they will receive their award from Her Majesty The Queen. With their strengthened skills and confidence, they will continue to change the lives of those around them and inspire the next generation of young leaders. We especially encourage girls and young women to apply. 

Nominate a young person who has inspired you or get them to apply
We are asking you to nominate a young person that you think deserves an Award: an individual who you think should be recognized for the lasting change they’re making in their community and who would benefit from the support provided to continue improving the lives of others around them. 

All you need to do is visit www.queensyoungleaders.com/nominate/ and fill out a short form to nominate the young person whose efforts improve the lives of others and inspire you and your work. They will receive an email notifying them that you think they have what it takes to be a Queen’s Young Leader. 

The second option is for the young individual to visit www.queensyoungleaders.com/apply-now/ and fill out a short form, telling their story of leadership in their community.

Help us to spread the word 
Once you've nominated someone for a Queen’s Young Leader Award, or if you want to encourage young people you know to apply for an Award, get in touch with your friends and colleagues, send a tweet or post details on your Facebook page. 

Your encouragement and support will make all the difference in helping us gain excellent applicants from all over Canada. Given your vast network of organizations and individuals (including schools), we thought you would be able to spread this great opportunity throughout your network. 

For additional information, please visit the website: (www.jubileetribute.org)

How YOU can HELP the OFCP !

Online
Donation

You play an important role in helping the OFCP when you make a financial contribution to our organization. You help support our programs and services. Our online donations are now processed by CanadaHelps.org to ensure they are simple to use and secure, but if you prefer to give your donation over the phone, please call us. 1-416-244-9686 or toll free 1-877-244-9686 

Free Home
Collection Service

We collect:

• Clothes, shoes, coats, bedding and linens
• Re-usable items in good condition and working order: toys, games, small appliances, small furniture items, sporting goods, books, electronics, and housewares.

For more information about our free home collection, and to arrange a household pick-up, please click the button below.