Strong Start

Change is in the air when it comes to gift-giving to celebrate happy occasions with loved ones. People are choosing to help improve the quality of life in their community and the world, with donations to charity in the name of the person for whom they would normally purchase a gift or an event to [...]

The people of Waterloo Region, since its beginning over 200 years ago, have enjoyed a well-earned reputation for pulling together to improve the quality of life in their community. That tradition is very evident in the much-appreciated support given to Strong Start® to help ensure that all children learn to read. Mieke Schroeder, a retired [...]

L. T. Coatings Inc. in Barrie, Ontario is an innovative company specializing in industrial-use special-purpose paints and automated paint application systems. Harry Laur, President of L. T. Coating Ltd. recently presented a cheque to Strong Start® to honour Strassburger Windows and Doors on its 60th Anniversary and grand opening of its new plant and showroom in Kitchener, Ontario. L.T. [...]

Congratulations to Vernon Erb, his family and employees as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Erb Group of Companies. From the first dump truck hauling gravel in 1959 to a huge fleet of trucks and over 1,000 employees the values have remained the same: a commitment to the highest standard of service to their [...]

Atria Networks LP, an innovative and rapidly growing telecommunications company, owns and operates one of Ontario’s largest fibre-optic networks, connecting vibrant communities from Ottawa to south-western Ontario. They believe, as do many successful companies, in supporting the communities they serve. Since 2005, Atria has been a loyal supporter of Strong Start®. As Strong Start® has [...]

Josslin Insurance Brokers Ltd. and Gore Mutual Insurance Company have joined forces to benefit Strong Start®. The Waglers of Josslin Insurance, working with Cyrus Taghizadah, Brokers Relations Manager at Gore Mutual, proposed a team approach to Kevin McNeil, President and CEO of Gore Mutual. Kevin was immediately supportive. Together, the two firms accomplished a substantial [...]

Recently we were invited to speak to the members of the Kiwanis Club of Kitchener-Waterloo about our program. After hearing about the success of the Strong Start® literacy project in helping thousands of young children acquire the skills needed to learn to read and providing a very rewarding volunteer experience, the members decided to make [...]

The Strong Start® literacy project is successful in helping thousands of young children acquire the skills they need in learning to read. That success is due, in large part, to the dedicated Volunteer Coaches who give their time and talents to the program and to the wide array of financial supporters who fund the program. [...]

he Strong Start® literacy project has become a phenomenal success since its inception in 2001. Thousands of children have received help at a crucial stage in learning to read; thousands of volunteers have felt the joy of a meaningful and rewarding experience as a result of making a positive difference in a child’s life; parents [...]

Another blessing enjoyed by Strong Start® is the support it receives from Tony and Machelle Denison of Denison Print. Denison Print goes well beyond that proverbial “extra mile” in printing the materials for the Strong Start® kits, Machelle Denison contributes her time and expertise on the fundraising committee and Tony works quietly behind the scenes [...]