Events, Fundraising

Kidunified Puzzle Fundraiser

Spectrum is grateful to be receiving the proceeds of sales of Kidunified’s Children’s Makers Market Puzzle from May 17, 2023-June 19, 2023!

Kidunified is a local woman-led social enterprise. Their debut puzzle is called Children’s Makers Market and it was created with big hearts, and mindfully for kids — it is diverse, sustainable, bilingual and fun! The goal is for more children to see pieces of themselves and their community while they play.  

Ashley Kizis shares, “Kidunified is for every child, including my own. I want my child to continue to learn how good it feels when we include, and treat each other equally.  It is important to me that he sees me learning to become a better ally also — to grow myself, alongside him. So much love, research and community input went into the creation of this puzzle, so that more children would hopefully feel represented in the toys they play with.”

This fundraiser is beginning on May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, a day that draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ people in more than 130 countries around the world. 

As Spectrum works towards its vision of an inclusive community where all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are welcomed, celebrated, and supported as their authentic selves we love discovering other organizations that share our values. We’re excited to bring awareness of this wonderful puzzle to the community and grateful to our friends at Kidunified for generously donating the proceeds from the next month’s sales to us.

The Children’s Makers Market Puzzle is available for purchase here for $34.99 +HST. Puzzles can be picked up at Spectrum on June 19th between 12pm-7pm or, select “delivery” and a volunteer will drop-off your puzzle between the purchase date and June 19th.

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SPECTRUM News

Refreshed 2SLGBTQIA+ Terminology Guide

Spectrum is pleased to share our refreshed 2SLGBTQIA+ Terminology Guide! This was made possible thanks to the work of co-op student, Sarah Amoah.

Below, Sarah shares her thoughts on her co-op placement experience.

My name is Sarah Amoah (she/they). I am a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, graduate from University of Western Ontario-King’s College and am currently completing a postgraduate certificate in Community and Social Services Management at Conestoga College. I am grateful to Spectrum for hosting me as a co-op student for 10 weeks and to Scott Williams for supporting me as a placement supervisor. As a Black, queer, woman with a non-visible disability, I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ concepts, forms of discrimination, and community services in the region. I found it easy to become emersed in the content as I have so much passion and interest in the topics.  

This placement has expanded my understanding of the variety of leadership and management roles that make up successful community service organizations. I have been relishing in the opportunity to continuously learn about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, terminology, and relevant concepts. This experience has enhanced my understanding of professional leadership in community service organizations that work with marginalized demographics such as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

Having the opportunity to sit in on board and fundraising meetings and participate in the organization’s Rainbow Diversity Training has strengthened my connection to my identity as a queer person and to the Waterloo 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This experience has expanded my awareness of how important community mobilization and unification is for impactful community service. It is important to recognize how smaller organizations without access to an abundance of funding run with the help of volunteers, board of directors and general community support. 

Thank you, Spectrum, you will always have a place in my heart!  

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