The Windsor-Essex Principal/Vice-Principal Association (WEPVPA) has selected two charities to support through our passport project at the 2010 CPCO conference. The St. Vincent de Paul Society and Autism Ontario are charities that reflect our theme, Embracing our Catholic Vocation, by shining light on those in need.
WEPVPA believes that we are shining a light on two worthy organizations and appreciate your assistance in supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Autism Ontario. The passport costs ten dollars.
We thank you in advance for your participation!
St. Vincent de Paul Society
French students established the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a charitable organization dedicated to the service of the poor, in 1833. Today this organization provides benefits to individuals in 132 countries. The Society began in Ontario on November 11, 1850 at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto. From there it has branched out to include many chapters throughout Ontario. The mission of the Society is to live the Gospel message by serving Christ through helping the poor with love, respect, justice and joy. Members of the Society see Christ in anyone who suffers. Society members come together as a family to help the less fortunate in as many ways as possible, particularly through personal contact with the poor.
The members of our Windsor chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society include retired principals and teachers from the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. They work tirelessly to serve the people of our community. Volunteer members visit homes, prisons, hospitals, etc. They serve those in need in the community regardless of race, creed, national origin, age or gender. The volunteers encourage the people they visit to have a relationship with God and to participate in the religion of their choice. No one in need is refused and all who are in need are treated with dignity.
Autism Ontario
The vision of Autism Ontario is acceptance and opportunities for all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Their mission is simple: to ensure that each individual with ASD is provided the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society.
Autism Ontario focuses on six key areas: advocacy, support, research, best practices, government relations, public awareness and governance. They are the leading source of information and referrals on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Members are connected through a volunteer network of chapters throughout Ontario.
It is important to note that a board of directors guides Autism Ontario. This body is composed primarily of parents of individuals with autism, plus a host of volunteers and respected professionals who provide expertise and guidance to the organization on a volunteer basis.
April is Autism Month. The Windsor-Essex chapter provides funding for summer camps, respite care, annual picnics and Christmas parties. The executive committee is comprised of teachers, members of the private sector and parents who are considered the Windsor voice for autism.
Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The association and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.