· Projects
2021 – A Year in Review
Dear supporters of Ryan’s Rays,
What a year it has been. A few short weeks ago, I intended to write this update from a family trip to sunny California. Once again, Covid has played havoc on our plans, and likely not for the last time. Ryan’s Rays has gone another year without a gala, and it’s almost certain we won’t have one this spring.
Nevertheless, hope for the new year remains and we continue to consider ourselves blessed even in these dark times. You have been gracious in your generosity, and for that, we are grateful. As the year comes to a close, it is worth looking back at the impact you have helped us achieve.
Snoezelen Carts
In June, we raised $20,000 to purchase two Snoezelen Carts for the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre. These carts provide a therapeutic resource for children within the Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Program and the Autism Spectrum Disorders Program. They will have a tremendous impact on those children and their families who visit the centre frequently for support, as Ryan and his family once did.
Inclusive Preschool
Our current campaign is to raise $95,000 towards building an inclusive preschool within the Hope of Life campus in Zacapa, Guatemala. The intent is to make inclusiveness “normal” in a child’s educational journey from the start. Thanks to your generous donations, we have raised over $80,000 so far, and we are excited to share that Hope of Life has broken ground on construction! For those looking to make some additional contributions in 2021, we ask you to consider this project in your year-end giving.
As we look towards the future, we remain hopeful that, at some point, we are able to gather together again in person. The need for inclusiveness both here and around the world remains large. Even with the escalating tensions in Ethiopia, we are grateful that a new school year has begun and the CDU we helped build is open once again. Thank you for your continued prayers and contributions to this cause.
On behalf of the Ryan’s Rays Board of Directors, I wish you peace, health, and happiness in the year to come.
Edward de Groot
Vice-Chair
Ryan’s Rays