Town of Caledon's Recreation Services receives award

The Town of Caledon and Brampton-Caledon Community Living were co-recipients of the Reach for the Rainbow Gift of Belonging Award in 2006. Brett Rutledge, senior program co-ordinator with Reach for the Rainbow, presents the award to Mayor Marolyn Morrison, Heather Savage (centre) of the Town's recreation department and Kim Jessup-Stoddart (fourth from right) of Brampton-Caledon Community Living. Also joining in the presentation were (l to r) councillors Richard Whitehead, Nick deBoer, Doug Beffort, Richard Paterak, Jason Payne, Allan Thompson, Annette Groves and Gord McClure.

The Town of Caledon is the honoured recipient of Reach for the Rainbow's 2006 "Gift of Belonging" award, in recognition of the Town's inclusive community enrichment activities offered in partnership with B r a m p t o n - C a l e d o n Community Living.

Reach for the Rainbow, a provincial charitable organization, develops integrated recreation program opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, their families and the communities in which they belong. The Town of Caledon and Brampton- Caledon Community Living were chosen as the co-recipients of this award among 68 agencies across Ontario - a prestigious honour that reflects the progressive attitude and teamwork of the two local organizations with Reach for the Rainbow.

The 2006 award marks the first time a municipality has been recognized in this manner by the organization. Since 2004, the Town's Recreation & Property Services Department has partnered with Brampton- Caledon Community Living and Reach for the Rainbow to provide greater opportunities for accessible recreation in Caledon.

The Town of Caledon is committed to increasing accessibility to its recreation programs, facilities and services. Reach for the Rainbow provides funds to the Town of Caledon to hire additional support staff for individuals with a disability who attend any of the Town's recreational programs. In 2006, the Recreation Department hired 16 staff members to provide support in the summer camp and year-round programs. Reach for the Rainbow also provides the Town with integration training, specialized equipment like all-terrain Terra-Trek wheelchairs, program and staff evaluations and ongoing program support for Caledon families.

Reach for the Rainbow promotes an environment where children with disabilities can mature with their peers, encouraging awareness and compassion to allow people with disabilities to discover their full potential. In 2006, Reach for the Rainbow provided services and opportunities to over 900 children, young adults, and their families.

Two articles about the Town of Caledon's unique partnership with both agencies will be printed in two publications - the Scrapbook Magazine, which is mailed to all partnering agencies and potential partners, and the Reach for the Rainbow magazine distributed through the National Post Feb. 1.