About Down Syndrome Association of Peel

Families with children with Down Syndrome can benefit from the support, programs, and activities provided through the DSAP, Down Syndrome Association of Peel. Considering joining the DSAP family.

who we are

Down Syndrome Association of Peel (DSAP)

DSAP is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, networking and advocating around the issues and concerns that individuals and/or their families may face. The lack of easily accessible information, the excessive strain on both time and resources, along with the emotional upheaval can be challenging. DSAP is here to provide support, networking, and education.

what we do

We believe in a world where everyone is valued and included. Our initiatives promote social acceptance by organizing community events, networking and providing programs focused on social acceptance, speech and language development, reading support and seasonal events.

2011

DSAP was founded in May 2011 as Down Syndrome Awareness of Peel by six families who all had children with Down syndrome that attended the same Region of Peel Daycare Centre. The six families became quite close and would meet once a month to network and share information. After about one year, the families reached out to other families within the other Region of Peel Centres and formed a support group. The need for networking and education was growing and the families made the decision to create a not-for-profit association dedicated to the Peel community and the Down Syndrome Awareness of Peel was formed.

2017

In 2017, Down Syndrome Awareness of Peel joined forces with another not-for-profit group called The Caring Network for Challenged Kids and expanded its offerings to all age groups. The Caring Network had been around for 30 years and had a similar vision and the amalgamation was the best thing that could have happened. With the merger of both associations, Down Syndrome Association of Peel (DSAP) was created.

current

DSAP has grown its presence in the Region of Peel and has developed many positive partnerships with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome Association of Ontario, William Osler Heath System, Infant and Child Development Services Peel, Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel District School Board, and the Region of Peel. DSAP is continually looking for volunteers to help raise awareness and help give back to the community.

our vision

To build a network for parents to discuss common topics
To be a source of support for families
To advocate and create awareness and educate others about Down syndrome
To see an increase in “intervention” type programs and support for those in need
To help create a future where individuals with Down syndrome can be fully included and contribute to society at large.
To be the voice for people with Down syndrome

board of directors

Carlo DiCarlo

President

Mellissa Vetro

Vice President

Rima Jabbour

Treasurer

Shanna Walsh

Secretary

Carol Lowe

Director of Events

Jennifer Bernardo

Director of Fundraising

our sponsors

The Down Syndrome Association of Peel sincerely thanks our sponsors for their generosity and support of our Down Syndrome community. Their contributions make it possible for us to run essential programs and services, including our successful Speech & Reading programs, as we work to Educate, Network, and Raise Awareness.

Diamond Level

donations of $5,000 and up

Grand Knight Jan Kaszkur

John Mancini from Mecel Installations Inc.

Donato Ardellini

gold Level

donations from $1,000 to $4,999

Portland Jerk

silver Level

donations from $500 to $999

Phil Battista from Remax Realty Services

Smokestack Holdings

Fiesta Balloons by Yazzy

bronze Level

Donations from $250 to $499

Maresh Singla

make a donation

Down Syndrome Association of Peel is a registered charity that accepts donations to support its efforts to progress advocacy and education on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families (Charitable number is #891055170RR0001). There are many ways you can become a sponsor:

Donate online

Online donations are quick and convenient, whether you give once or as a monthly donor. Tax receipts are automatically emailed to you.

Donate

school sponsors

You can support DSAP at your school. For more information on how to start your program, send us an email and someone will reach out to you to build your program.

workplace matching

You can support DSAP at your workplace and start a Corporate Matching Program. For more information on how to start your program, send us an email and someone will reach out to you to build your program

Donate a Good or Service for a Fundraising Event

DSAP is always looking for sponsors to help raise awareness and promote events throughout the community, either at donating an item or service for our silent auctions or providing goods and services to bring a great experience to our members at one of our events.

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