KidsAbility Centre for Child Development

Who says ice cream can’t be breakfast?

Bring your inner kid (or your actual kids!) and start your morning on a sweet note in support of Make-A-Wish Canada.

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Location: Stanley Park Community Centre, Kitchener
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This event is organized by Maddy Letizi, a former KidsAbility client and KidsAbility Foundation’s 2026 Steve Kidd Employee Benefits Consulting Inc Bursary winner. Proceeds from this event are donated directly to Make-A-Wish Canada. KidsAbility Foundation is not the recipient of this fundraising.

To learn more about Ice-Cream For Breakfast, or to donate, visit https://icecreamforbreakfast.ca/

Ice-Cream For Breakfast is made possible with community support and generous sponsors:
Four All Ice Cream
Marble Slab
ThunderStorm Productions
Kawartha Dairy
The Nest Cafe and Creamery Inc.
Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream & Cafe
L.A. Franks

[Image: A colorful invitation poster for an “Ice‑Cream for Breakfast” event supporting Make‑A‑Wish Canada, featuring playful illustrations of ice cream cones and an ice cream truck. ]

We are currently seeking a Senior Communications Manager to join KidsAbility Foundation.

This leadership role will drive integrated communications strategy, storytelling, and brand engagement to support fundraising and community impact.

Location: Waterloo (hybrid)
Status: Full-time, permanent
Apply by: June 16, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://www.kidsability.ca/senior-communications-manager/

Chris, a former KidsAbility client, and his mom Tracie, share their journey of growth, resilience, and what’s possible when families and care teams work together to support a child’s potential.

Read the full story:
kidsability.ca/2026/06/a-journey-of-growth-chris-and-tracies-story-with-kidsability/

Watch their video:
https://youtu.be/V9dB5bYya74



[Image: A photo of Chris and Tracie sitting beside each other on a sofa.]

Meet Trish, Clinical Researcher and Occupational Therapist at KidsAbility

Trish’s path to becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT) was shaped by her passion for helping others. While studying kinesiology, she discovered her interest in rehabilitation, and her experience working at a summer camp on the inclusion team confirmed her love for supporting children. Occupational therapy became the perfect way to bring those passions together.

As a Clinical Researcher with KidsAbility Rocket Discovery Centre, Trish values working alongside a team that shares common goals while bringing diverse perspectives and experiences. She enjoys the opportunity to continuously learn, challenge her thinking, and grow professionally through collaboration.

She’s especially excited about projects that take a multidisciplinary approach to supporting client care, believing strongly in the power of teamwork to create meaningful, lasting impact for families.

Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the incredible employees who make KidsAbility a special place to work through their dedication and passion for what they do.



[Image 1: A picture of a rocket taking off in space with Trish’s name and job title: Occupational Therapist]

[Image 2: Q&A included in caption]

[Image 3: Q&A included in caption]

[Image 4: Q&A included in caption]

Therapy Tip of the Week: Micro‑Rest Moments

Short pauses are more powerful than they look. A 60–90 second break gives the brain time to reset, especially during activities that require focus, coordination, or patience.

Try adding tiny “reset moments” between tasks at home or school - a stretch, a deep breath, or even looking away from the activity for a few seconds. These quick rests can help children return feeling calmer, more regulated, and ready to participate.

[Image description: On the left side, a circular photo shows a female child indoors holding a large exercise ball while positioned close to the floor. The KidsAbility logo appears at the bottom. Red rounded shapes decorate the corners.]

Hello, June!

Upcoming community events and fundraisers in support of KidsAbility:

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Rotary Waterloo

⛳ June 4 - Rotary Waterloo’s Golf 'Fore' KidsAbility Classic
📍 Rebel Creek Golf Course

Register your team today!

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Dairy Queen

🍦 June 19 & 20 - Blizz for Kids @ DQ King North is back!
📍628 King St N, Waterloo On, Unit A1 (dqkingnorth)

Grab your Blizzard of any size and $2 will be donated to KidsAbility. Come out, cool down and support a great cause!

Dairy Queen Chill & Grill
628 King St N, Waterloo
N2V 0C7

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Chips and Giggles Golf

⛳ July 15 - Chips & Giggles Golf Tournament
📍 Badlands Golf, 41 Ira Needles Blvd
chipsandgigglesgolf.com

A just-for-laughs round just for kids! Register your team today!

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Turn everyday shopping into meaningful impact. Through partnerships with local businesses, each purchase helps support KidsAbility - empowering kids to thrive and creating stronger communities together.

Shop our featured partners of KidsAbility's Shop & Support, such as:

Grainharvest Breadhouse Inc.
Mabel's Labels Fundraising


Learn more: https://www.kidsability.ca/get-involved-give/ways-to-give/shop-and-support/

It’s back! 🍦

Blizz for Kids returns to Dairy Queen on King St North in Waterloo on Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20, and we’re looking for amazing volunteers to help make it a success!

Spend the day spreading smiles, supporting families, and being part of a fun community event. $2 from every Blizzard sold will support KidsAbility!

Location:
Dairy Queen Chill & Grill
628 King St N, Waterloo

Come out, cool down, and give it back.

Sign up for your preferred shift and location: https://www.kidsability.ca/about-us/volunteer-opportunities/ -opportunity-dq-blizz-for-kids / through our Link in Bio, under "Volunteer with KidsAbility". through our Link in Bio, under "Volunteer with KidsAbility".

[Image description: A branded promotional graphic invites volunteers to participate in the “DQ Blizz for Kids” fundraiser supporting KidsAbility. The design features event details alongside an image of a Blizzard treat]

🌈 Happy Pride Month from KidsAbility!

At KidsAbility, we embrace love, diversity, and inclusion every day. This June, we celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, acknowledging the unique strengths and stories that make each of us who we are.

[Image description: A close-up photo of two people holding a heart-shaped paper cut-out with rainbow stripes. Several people are visible in the softly blurred background. Text reading “Pride Month, June” appears in the lower left. The KidsAbility logo is placed near the top left.]

To kick off National AccessAbility Week (May 31 – June 6), we want to celebrate progress, advocate for change, and amplify voices for a more accessible and inclusive community.

We are spotlighting one of our favourite resources - accessible playgrounds!

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play and explore in an inclusive environment. That is why we are excited to share accessible playgrounds right in our local community.

There are several local playgrounds offering fun and accessible play for children of all abilities:

KidsAbility's Accessible Playground at 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo
Churchill Park, Cambridge
Eby Farm Playground, Waterloo Park
Country Hills Playground, Kitchener
Kate's Place For Everyone Playground at Gibson Park, Elmira

Let us build bridges, break barriers, and ensure equal access for all.

Visit https://accessibleplaygroundsontario.ca/ for other playground options.

[Image: A photo of three children laughing together at a playground. A girl in a red shirt is using a wheelchair, flanked by a boy in a green striped shirt and a boy in a yellow shirt. White bold text reads "National AccessAbility Week, May 31 to June 6." The KidsAbility logo appears in the bottom left corner.]

✨ We are three days away from the "Developing Toileting Readiness" Virtual Workshop! ✨

KidsAbility is offering an introductory workshop that covers the foundational skills children need before beginning the toileting journey. Learn what readiness looks like, how to build a successful toileting routine, and ways to naturally incorporate reinforcement to support progress and confidence.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Virtual

To register for the workshop, please use the Teams link: a8524093-28da-4df1-aed4-399e1b5fb6f9@e8b5d86f-23b0-4067-8922-2922044547cd" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a8524093-28da-4df1-aed4-399e1b5fb6f9@e8b5d86f-23b0-4067-8922-2922044547cd