At WaySpa we believe that giving back to the community is integral to running a business successfully and that it is part of our individual responsibilities as global citizens to do so. We take this responsibility seriously, which is why we are launching our “WaySpa Gives Back” program. We will be featuring a different cause on our blog each month. If you are interested in having your cause featured on WaySpa please email wayspagivesback@wayspa.com.
January/Febuary 2011: The Marc Santi Foundation
Marc Santi was born October 31st 1982 in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He was the middle son to Ed and Leda, brother to Paul and David.
On the afternoon of April 6, 2001, Marc was involved in a tragic motor vehicle accident. Due to severe head injuries incurred in the accident Marc lay unconscious for nine days in the Trauma Unit at the Sunnybrook & Women’s College Health Science Centre. Having fought so courageously for his life, Marc quietly passed away on April 15, 2001. It was Easter Sunday.
Marc was an inspiring young man and a true leader in so many ways, especially at school and within his community. His trademark was an energetic zeal and enthusiasm for life, his cheerfulness and greatsense of humor. Marc enjoyed life to the fullest. He was President of the Student Council at St. Michaels College School and was an active participant in football, baseball, hockey, skiing, and tennis – but most especially, Marc had a true passion for golf.
Marc’s coaches and teachers held him in the highest regard. He was named the 2001 winner of the ‘Spiritus Trophy’ awarded annually to the graduate who best embodies the spirit of St. Michael’s College School. In order that Marc’s legacy and memory never be forgotten the Santi family and close friends established “The Marc Santi Foundation”
December 2010: Schools Without Borders
Building Leadership and Education for a Complex World
A good education builds core values and an aptitude for continued learning. But for millions around the world and in our own cities, a good education is not accessible. Outdated teaching curriculum and methods leave students ill equipped to face real life
challenges and schools are not evolving at the same pace as the populations they serve.
SWB addresses the gaps in our educational systems and trains young leaders to confront the most complex social, economic and environmental challenges the world has ever faced.
Learning Without Limits
Schools Without Borders (SWB) is an award-winning charity and network of community-based educatorsand learning centers in Toronto and around the World.
Our mission is to create real learning opportunities for young people. Our vision is to improve quality of life and community health by investing in the young leaders who are making positive impacts in their local and global communities.
SWB understands deeply that young people have the solutions to complex, social, economic and environmental issues. Our model is based on this belief and the programs we support prove that this is true. Whether it’s through urban agriculture in Toronto, photojournalism workshops in Brazil, sexual health training for young women in Kenya or international leadership exchanges, young people around the world are addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues through concrete and effective strategies.
Our Core Strategies
We support a global network of educators and learning centres through two strategies:
1. SWB Learning Centre: Leveraging Global Insights to Improve Local Realities
Our Learning Centre in Toronto provides a physical hub for young leaders to work and collaborate, as well as a space for preserving and sharing research and findings through reports and institutional partnerships.
2. Youth Organizing Platform:Supporting Community Learning Initiatives
Provides training, mentorship and “back office” administrative support to over 25 youth-led projects and organizations in Canada, Brazil, Kenya, Botswana and Jamaica.
SWB is Investing in Youth
Over $4 million raised since 2003, over 20 million Aeroplan Miles raised, named one of Canada’s top ten charities in 2008, A Vital Idea (TCF) in 2009, and growing a network of over 50 learning organizations around the world.
To support SWB please click here
November 2010: The ALS Society of Canada
This month we are proudly featuring the ALS Society of Canada
The mission of the ALS Society of Canada is to fund research towards a cure for ALS and support provincial ALS Societies to provide quality care for those affected by ALS.
The ALS Society of Canada, founded in 1977, is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS and support for those with ALS.
The ALS Society is committed to:
- Support research towards a cure for ALS.
- Support provincial ALS societies in their provision of quality care for persons living with ALS.
- Build public awareness of ALS and its impact.
The ALS Society, founded in 1977, is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS.
The ALS Society of Canada office is located in Markham, Ontario.
The ALS Society of Canada raises funds for research into the cause and cure for ALS. It also works to raise public awareness and supports Provincial partners in the provision of quality care for those affected by ALS.
There is an ALS Society in every province. Provincial societies develop local chapters and support groups and provide direct support to people with ALS and their families and caregivers. They also offer information and referrals, support for those affected by ALS, manage equipment programs and engage in advocacy.
Click here to donate to ALS Society of Canada
October 2010: Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
This Month we are proudly featuring the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:
About the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF)
The CCFF is a Canada-wide charitable health organization, with 50 volunteer chapters that fund CF research and care. In 2010, the Foundation will support more than 50 research projects that are exploring all aspects of the CF puzzle; from investigating new methods of fighting infection and inflammation in the lungs, to finding new therapies that target the basic defect at a cellular level. As yet, there is no known cure for CF. However, the discovery of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis by a Canadian-led team of researchers, supported by the CCFF, was a first and crucial step toward finding a cure or an effective control for this devastating disease. 2010 marks the CCFF’s fiftieth anniversary. For more information, please visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.
About the CCFF’s Fusion Gala
Formerly known as the 65 Roses Gala, Fusion 2010 – 50th Anniversary Ball will be held on October 16th, 2010 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Unionville, Ontario. This evening of pride and celebration will include a cocktail reception featuring creations from prominent local chefs, followed by an exquisite full course dinner paired with specially selected wines. Guests will have the pleasure of dancing to a fine orchestra, participating in both silent and live auctions, and enjoying entertainment from a variety of genres that encapsulate the past 50 years. Since inception just 8 short years ago, the CCFF’s Gala productions have raised total proceeds in excess of $815,000 net revenue.
August 2010: The THREE TO BE Foundation
This month we are proudly featuring the THREE TO BE foundation. It is a cause that is very close to my heart because it was 
founded after my cousins, triplets, Taylor, Cole and Brody were each diagnosed, at 10 months old, with Cerebral Palsy, a class of brain injury that has no known cure. Overwhelmed and shocked by the diagnosis, but at once motivated by love, the triplets’ parents, Dana and Jared, made a decision to turn this potentially devastating situation into one of hope and empowerment. This is how THREE TO BE was born. THREE TO BE is a working in partnership with The Hospital for Sick Children & Bloorview Kids Rehab, to support the development of new treatments and therapies for children’s neurological disorders. There are presently no foundations or agencies in Canada aimed at funding research and therapy for this broad spectrum of disorders, which range from Cerebral Palsy to Epilepsy to Autism.
THREE TO BE is throwing its 1st Annual Stems of Hope Gala on Sept 25, 2010. Tickets are available for sale August 17th, 2010. WaySpa is supporting this organization and if you would like to as well please click here for more information.
