Create A Smile Foundation in partnership with Community Living St. Marys & Area has been creating smiles since 2004!
The ‘Create A Smile’ Foundation began about 19 years ago by the Muir and Rossetti families, driven by a need that hit close to home. Our sister’s teeth needed to be pulled due to their deterioration from disability related medication. Government funding was not available to support new dentures or implants; we were determined to resolve the situation. This is where ‘Create A Smile’ began. The first event took place in Stratford and raised over $10,000. Over the past 18 years we have managed to raise over $257,700.00 which has been used to provide support to many people in various ways with intellectual and physical disabilities. The years have flown by and as we look back on the steps we have taken they have added up to some impactful strides and smiles made in the lives of those living with disabilities.
Volunteers built Community Living St. Marys and Area over 60 years ago and volunteers continue to fuel the Create A Smile walk. All of the money raised at this event goes to Community Living to support their mission of improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities in our area. Funds raised in the past have benefited the entire community through increased accessibility and inclusion.
The money raised is used to pay for things that enhance the lives of people with disabilities, their families and the communities they live in. Did you know that people with disabilities in Canada are twice as likely to live in poverty than those without a disability? Many have an income of less than $1,200 per month and are now facing rapidly increasing living costs and a lack of affordable housing. This year’s funds raised will be used to support security of home, activities for increased participation in community events, and additional accessibility features in our community.
On May 28, 2023– make a difference and join in the fun!
Take a picture during the walk and email it to lcannon@clstmarys.ca and be part of our Facebook Memory Create a Smile page. The more smiles we can capture the better!
For those who wish to donate online or create a team through Canada Helps Peer to Peer, please visit our website and click on the ‘Create A Smile’ logo or click on the following link 19th Annual Create A Smile Walkathon
For those who would like to use a pledge sheet, you can pick one up at the James Purdue Centre or click on Create A Smile 2023 Pledge Sheet
Inspiring video https://vimeo.com/377585189/4769d0d905 – Click on this link to understand the heart of the Create A Smile Walkathon!
