Annual Report 2003-2004 - Independent Living Centre of Waterloo ...

2004 AwardRecipientsBarrier FreeZehrs Stanley ParkCommunity PartnerHeather Johnson6th AnnualIndependent Living Awards 2004Atotal of 53 nominations were received for sevencategories in this year’s sixth annual celebration toacknowledge positive changes towards greater independencefor people with disabilities. Since 1999, there have been 400nominations recognizing the “countless contributions madetowards creating a more inclusive community.”George Michaels of CHYM-FM kindly returned asMaster of Ceremonies. This year’s event highlighted thefirst five years in a visual presentation. Fred Kinsiecommunicated a fund raising drive for the centre’s pendingmove to a new location in September 2004.Generous sponsors, volunteers and businesses continuedto support the event and auction (see next page). It was alsowonderful to enjoy some new contributors such as local artist,Bruce Herchenrader who designed this year’s award. Exquisitefinal touches to the decor were generously provided by theCentral Ontario Orchid Society.George Michaels and volunteerZubair Basheer.The Orchids were Exquisite!Distinguished VolunteerIan ArdillInfluential AdvocateNancy CherryOutstanding IndividualBruce MuttonSkills DevelopmentGrace NiezenStaff RecognitionMiller MemorialBrandy DuchesneRecipients seated with Sponsors behind — see side panel.Access FundThe Access Fund was created to assist ILCWR consumers when purchasing assistivedevices for greater independence. The fund was launched at the Awards in 2003 and hasprovided funds to three applicants in the first year.Grants will cover up to 90% of the money required after other programs have beenexhausted. Maximum grant amount is $2,000.The Access Fund was promoted as the major funding priority during this fiscal year.Transportation FundThanks to a donation from the former Project Lift board of directors our centre hascreated a fund to assist with transportation. Funds are now available for rental of a bus,or other means of transportation, to allow consumers to attend events.This fund also assists consumers who have medical appointments out of town.6 INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE | 2003-2004 Annual Report