YORK-DURHAM APHASIA CENTRE 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

On November 7 YDAC held a concert called Celebrating Communication in honour of its 20th Anniversary. This was a celebration of the success of a program born of a need by families whose loved ones had aphasia, and their great desire to enhance communication. We also wanted to explain aphasia to the general public, and of course, to fund-raise.

The people in the York Durham Aphasia Centre’s programs have benefitted greatly from participation in drawing, singing, and the use of gestures. The entire concert program demonstrated various forms of communication. There was an art display created by clients of YDAC which has previously toured various small art galleries in southern Ontario, presented by Diana Bullock. The Motus O dance company presented several vignettes. Whitney Ross-Barris, jazz singer, accompanied by Erik Patterson, master guitarist gave us a wonderful concert of songs. Jeff Harper and Diana Bullock were our MCs.

Concert attendees enjoyed punch, coffee and anniversary cake while they perused the silent auction items.

Overall Celebrating Communication was a great success, with wonderful performances enjoyed by all those who attended.

Performers at the 20th Anniversary Celebration

Looking Back

The Your-Durham Aphasia Centre's 20th Annual General Meeting

Date: Monday, September 14th, 2009
Time: 6.00 - 8.00 pm

For the 2009 Annual Report click here.

Innovations in this year’s campaign included:

• A letter to caregivers asking them to assist clients raise funds
• Presentations to clients & volunteers on the importance of fund-raising and asking them to “get involved”
• Highly visible information on our YDAC website

In addition, a unique bookmark was developed as a way of saying “Thank you” to contributors.

Achieving such success is clearly the result of extraordinary efforts by all our clients, volunteers and staff. Thank you so much for your participation and congratulations on a job well done!

Special thanks are due to those who made contributions. Your generosity and support help to ensure our services to clients remain viable and vibrant. Please accept our sincere thank you!

Some participants in the 2009 Walk and Roll-a-thon relaxing at a local park.