KIDSLINK LAUNCHES 150th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Official launch at Gourmet Trail fundraiser sets stage for several sesquicentennial events, including touring show of children’s artwork

ST. AGATHA – kidsLINK, a local not-for-profit serving children, youth and families with or at risk for social, emotional and mental health concerns, is now in the midst of its 150th anniversary celebrations. An official launch took place on Saturday April 26th at Bingeman’s in Kitchener, before a sold-out crowd of 400 at kidsLINK’s 10th annual Gourmet Trail fundraising event.

“In 1858, a home for orphaned children was established in St. Agatha in an abandoned log cabin. That was the beginning of what kidsLINK is today,” explains John Vieth, President, kidsLINK Board of Directors. “Now 150 years later, kidsLINK is a vibrant, innovative, professional child and family service organization providing critical services to vulnerable children, youth and families, both in our local community and beyond.”

kidsLINK has several events and activities planned for its sesquicentennial year, including opportunities for the public to learn more about the organization and to get a glimpse into the artistic minds of the children it serves.

To commemorate its 150th Anniversary, kidsLINK has put together a touring art show consisting of commissioned artwork from both the children it serves and from children in Bolivia, where kidsLINK is in the process of establishing a professional mentoring program with Niños con Valor, a foundation that assists troubled and disabled children.

“The children’s artwork is truly breathtaking,” said Sonia Pouyat, CEO of kidsLINK. “We’re providing as many avenues as possible for the public to view these wonderful expressions of joy, love, hardship, and victory.”

The first stop for public viewing of the touring art show is Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, where the exhibition is on display from May 4th to 10th. This timing coincides with Children’s Mental Health Week, which takes place May 3rd to 10th.

During Children’s Mental Health Week, kidsLINK CEO Sonia Pouyat invites anyone interested in the work of kidsLINK to arrange a visit to the organization’s St. Agatha campus or Kitchener Early Intervention Services facilities.

“With the recent launch of our 150th anniversary celebrations and the approach of Children’s Mental Health Week, this is a perfect time to open ourselves up to the community and give people a feel for kidsLINK and the work we do,” explains Pouyat. “We’re a not-for-profit with heart, mixing professional skill and innovative practice with healthy doses of faith, hope and love in order to serve over 8000 children and youth each year.”

Along with the touring art show, kidsLINK will commemorate its 150th anniversary with a ceremony at the organization’s St. Agatha location on Wednesday June 11th. Included in this event will be the introduction of kidsLINK’s latest environmental initiative, an outdoor classroom, and the unveiling of a Memorial Garden.

Arrangements for visits to kidsLINK during Children’s Mental Health Week, and inquiries regarding the June 11th event can be made by contacting Angela Mawdsley, Executive Assistant, at 519-746-5437 ext. 205 or amawdsley@ndsa.on.ca <mailto:amawdsley@ndsa.on.ca> .

kidsLINK was founded in 1858. Over the years, there have been significant changes in what the organization does, and how it is done. The mission of the agency has always remained the same, however, to improve the lives of children, youth and families so that they may achieve their potential and be responsible contributing members of their community.

Almost 1 in 5 of Ontario's young people are affected by social, emotional and behavioural concerns such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder and schizophrenia. Many others are at risk. kidsLINK offers a broad range of services to help to these children and youth, focusing on prevention wherever possible. Initiatives range from preschool and school based intervention, through to clinical therapy and intensive school and residential treatment. kidsLINK also provides parents, caregivers, educators and other professionals with information, training and professional development opportunities.

kidsLINK operates five locations in Waterloo Region, including its head office located in St. Agatha. Every year, the organization helps over 8,000 children and youth. More information is available at www.kidsLINKcares.com .