A Father's Love
by Kariym Joachim

 

To celebrate Father's Day, we are sharing a story from one of our members about his Father. Do you want to show your dad how much you love him? Send us a picture ([email protected]) of the two of you and a caption about why your father is important to you and we will add it to our Facebook Father's Day album! Here is Kariym's story: 

 

My father always tells me and my sister stories. His tales have spanned from High Park in Toronto to the view of the Rockies in Banff, Alberta - from driving in the deserts of Southwestern United States to staring at the northern lights up North.  His stories have always been of a life lived to the fullest - from his humble beginnings in Trinidad to his travels across North America.

  
Meeting at Government House

On Saturday May 23rd, AboutFace was invited to a meeting at Government House in St. John's, Newfoundland with Her Excellency Sharon Johnson (wife of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnson, Governor General of Canada) and Her Honour Mrs. Patricia Fagan (wife of His Honour, Lieutenant Governor Mr. Frank Fagan). It was a great opportunity to meet with Her Excellency and Her Honour to discuss issues that affect those with facial differences. Staff member Colleen Wheatley was in attendance, along with local community members Dr. Art Rideout, Suzanne Dyke, Lisa Sooley, Jessica Cooper, and Susan Starks.

Dreams Take Flight to Disney!

 

On May 6th, four lucky AboutFace children got to have the amazing experience of going to Disney World for a day through the Dreams Take Flight program. This is the third year AboutFace was part of the program and we hope there will be many more. The day started early at an airplane hangar at Pearson International Airport with a reception, and lots of fun and excitement! The kids were joined by AboutFace volunteer Amanda who chaperoned them throughout the day.

   
  
making faces
by Michael Williams-Stark

making faces is a non-profit organization that helps children with facial differences, that provides workshops that teach acting skills and improvisational games to both build confidence and develop important life skills.


A number of years ago, Michael Williams-Stark and his brilliant pal Abby Thomas saw a television program on AboutFace, an organization that helps people with facial differences. Through Abby's encouragement he decided to see what he could do to help kids dealing with the same challenges and struggles that he went through as a kid. Michael made himself available to help out at special events and participated in support meetings and talks. But he really found his place when he facilitated a workshop on humour at AboutFace's first Family Day in Toronto.

 
Events and Fundraisers
R.I.D.E. Muskoka 
Sept 25-27, 2015, Muskoka, ON

 

R.I.D.E. Muskoka (Respecting Individual Differences in Everyone) is a cycling fundraising event through the fall colours of Muskoka. Bring your friends, your family or your corporate team, and support AboutFace.  Our host for the weekend will be the historic Pow-Wow Point Lodge situated on the shores of the beautiful Peninsula Lake in the heart of Muskoka. They will provide accommodations, meals and cater our banquet dinner and reception. There are two cycling options: for the ambitious cyclists, The Centurion - a 100 km loop circumnavigating Lake of Bays; or for the recreational and novice cyclists, there will be a 25 km loop around Fairy Lake. 

   
  
Programs and Services

Camp Trailblazers

 

Only 1 month left to register! Deadline for applications is July 1st. This camp provides a welcome escape for children ages 10 to 18 who are living with a facial difference. It is somewhere they can spend time together, throwing themselves into a whole range of outdoor activities, while challenging their own physical boundaries. Camp Trailblazers is also the perfect environment for simply sharing your thoughts, feelings and ideas with others.

 

Nova Scotia - August 2-6, 2015
Ontario - August 12-16, 2015

Manitoba - September 17-20, 2015

 

*NEW* FAMILY CAMP TRAILBLAZERS (all ages)

Newfoundland & Labrador - Aug 20-22, 2015

 
Welcome Monika!

 

Hi my name is Monika Sharma and I am delighted to be a part of the AboutFace team as the special events intern for this summer! I am in my third year in the Bachelor of Public Relations Program at Humber College. I love to write so I have created my own personal blog (adorabellabeauty) where I give my own tips and tricks on fashion, beauty, and self-confidence. I love to encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and live life to the fullest! I will be contributing to AboutFace's upcoming events such as Camp Trailblazers and R.I.D.E. Muskoka Cycling Event.

 

   
Let us be part of your next party.
Share Your Story Here!
Do you or someone you know have an inspirational story you would like to share with others? Share it with AboutFace and it could be published in our eNewsletter or AboutFace Magazine! Send your story to [email protected] or share it on our website www.aboutface.ca.
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