Paying It Forward
The SPARKS Symposium supports causes that help both locally and worldwide. In 2011 the Symposium chose two local organizations that are doing amazing work to help the region's children and animals.
To learn more about the amazing work these organizations are doing, click on the logo to visit their websites.
To learn more about the amazing work these organizations are doing, click on the logo to visit their websites.
Nutrition for Learning
Nutrition for Learning has been a registered charitable organization since 1997. We support community based nutrition programs committed to improving the learning capacity, health and well being of children in Waterloo Region. Research has proven that students coming to school hungry do not perform well in the classroom, have difficulty concentrating, display behavioural problems, are less alert and are often lethargic. Our programs impact the physical, cognitive, behavioural and academic needs of children.
Nutrition for Learning works with a network of community partners to ensure every child is well nourished and ready to learn when the school day begins. Our partners include: Public, Catholic and French school boards; the Waterloo Region Community Health Department; faith groups; service clubs; corporations; and the Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services.
Nutrition for Learning currently supports over a 100 community-based breakfast, snack and lunch programs impacting over 9500 children every day. Approximately 450 dedicated volunteers run our programs, which are open to all children in the community.
Nutrition for Learning works with a network of community partners to ensure every child is well nourished and ready to learn when the school day begins. Our partners include: Public, Catholic and French school boards; the Waterloo Region Community Health Department; faith groups; service clubs; corporations; and the Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services.
Nutrition for Learning currently supports over a 100 community-based breakfast, snack and lunch programs impacting over 9500 children every day. Approximately 450 dedicated volunteers run our programs, which are open to all children in the community.
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
Since 1992, The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada has been a refuge for donkeys, mules and hinnies who have been neglected or abused, or who can no longer be cared for by their owners. The Sanctuary rescues the donkey with hooves so long it lives in constant pain and cannot walk. It saves a terrified mule shivering in a pen in a slaughterhouse. It offers a home to a much-loved donkey whose aging owners can no longer provide adequte care. After years of suffering and neglect, the Sanctuary provides these animals with a welcome and often life-saving peaceful haven.
The Sanctuary is 100 acres of tranquility, in which we strive to live in peaceful harmony with the animals we have rescued. It is our heartfelt mission to ensure the animals who come to live out the remainder of their lives with us are surrounded by love, dignity, and the respect they so richly deserve. The Sanctuary Farm, and our satellite Foster Farms, have provided a safe home for rescued animals for more than 17 years. We are a not-for-profit charity, funded entirely by private donations.
At present, 61 equines (donkeys, mules and hinnies belong to the equine family, for those who may not know) reside at our main farm, and 40 are in care at our foster farms. We feel very fortunate to be in proximity to such gentle souls day after day.
We're also advocates for humane education, and provide a number of education programs to all elementary and high school grade levels.
The Sanctuary is 100 acres of tranquility, in which we strive to live in peaceful harmony with the animals we have rescued. It is our heartfelt mission to ensure the animals who come to live out the remainder of their lives with us are surrounded by love, dignity, and the respect they so richly deserve. The Sanctuary Farm, and our satellite Foster Farms, have provided a safe home for rescued animals for more than 17 years. We are a not-for-profit charity, funded entirely by private donations.
At present, 61 equines (donkeys, mules and hinnies belong to the equine family, for those who may not know) reside at our main farm, and 40 are in care at our foster farms. We feel very fortunate to be in proximity to such gentle souls day after day.
We're also advocates for humane education, and provide a number of education programs to all elementary and high school grade levels.
