Our History
1990s - 2000s
1994
The ground is officially broken on April 15 on the property of the Centre’s future site in Waterloo.
1995
The K-W Rotary Children’s Centre completes construction of a 54,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in Waterloo to replace the smaller facility in Kitchener. This facility opens in September following a successful $8 million capital campaign supported by government, local Rotary clubs, corporations and many private supporters.
1996
In the fall, Cambridge services moves into the newly constructed Cambridge Family YMCA on Hespeler Road. Our co-location partnership provides enhanced facilities for our children and families and is the first and only partnership of its kind in Canada.
1999
Following continued growth, a Guelph-based service team becomes a reality through pilot funding from the Ministry of Health, and a partnership through the City of Guelph. The caseload grows that year from just 17 children in September to 90 children by April 2000. The pilot proves to be a success and permanent funding is granted in 2000.
In November, the Board approves a new referral policy that makes it possible for a family, caregiver or community agency to refer a child for service. Up until now, referrals had to be made by a doctor. Referrals jump significantly as a result of this change from 978 referrals the year prior to 1,229. This change improves access to services and supports the goal of early intervention.
2000
A Fergus site is established through the support of the Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora. KidsAbility Foundation assumes the primary responsibility of fundraising on behalf of KidsAbility. Previously, they had been tasked with managing the endowment fund arising from bequests.
2003
May 30, the organization is officially renamed KidsAbility™ Centre for Child Development to more accurately reflect its mission, vision and purpose, and to respect Rotary International’s request that “Rotary” no longer be used in the name.
In September, KidsAbility renews its strong partnership with the Cambridge YMCA opening an expanded site. A new classroom is added that allows KidsAbility School to increase enrollment from 62 to 81 children.
2005
KidsAbility’s Guelph site moves to a newly renovated 5,000-square-foot site at the West End Community Centre
2006
The first annual Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon raises $108,000 over two days through the support of 96.7 CHYM FM.
2008
December 12, KidsAbility and the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine Waterloo Regional Campus at McMaster University celebrate a historic partnership. The new partnership provides medical students with training in family medicine and pediatrics and gives them an opportunity to learn about children with special needs and their families.
Our Stories
Caitlin BeacockKellie BellBob BlowesBonnie BremnerBrown FamilyStephen Cameron
Melissa Clark
Bob Collins WrightLauren and Caroline DavidsonVikki DupuisGord and Shirley FergusonStacey GorloffBob GrantTom JearyLindsay KalbfleischHarley Kaufmann-SacreyGraydon LargeDr. Mike LawrieBraden MartzJohn and Lynda Moseley-WilliamsJosh NelsonElaine OrmstonMichael and Melissa PapaioannouDan RochaPeter Snyder EtrilKitty StahleStultz FamilyLisa TalbotErick TraplinDenise Watson