Cornwall, Ontario – As a young organization, the Parade of Nations has faced many challenges, but today we can proudly declare that, as of March 22nd, 2013, Parade of Nations for the Developmentally Challenged is now a registered Canadian charitable organization.

But why the name change? When Parade of Nations was created in May 2007, its sole purpose was to organize an annual parade and a festival that would promote and celebrate the artistic and cultural heritage of the over 350 nations and communities composing the areas of Akwesasne, Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Thanks to suggestions from members of the community, in 2009, the Parade of Nations’ Board of Directors resolved to make fundraising a part of this festival to help our community’s developmentally disabled.  As required by the province of Ontario, our name had to include the community our charity would serve.

In collaboration with other organizations, we will concentrate our efforts toward serving the developmentally challenged by helping to teach life skills and encouraging those artistically inclined to showcase their talent.

There are, of course, costs involved for a charity such as ours that hosts such things as public events and helping our community’s disabled. To help kick-off our new charity, a train show is being organized, in July, which will help us meet this year’s goals. In addition thre will be a raffle with a grand prize of a Via Rail return trip for two from Cornwall to Winnipeg, a silent auction, an arts and crafts event showcasing local talent and garage sales.

The Parade of Nations for the Developmentally Challenged has always been, and will continue to be a volunteer organization. Now that we are a registered charity, we are proud to offer income tax receipt for cash donations and silent auction gifts-in-kind above $10.00.

We are always looking for skilled volunteers for the Board of Directors and volunteers with various backgrounds and administrative skills dedicated to the advancement of those less fortunate in our community.

To learn more about the organization, or how you can help, please visit www.paradeofnations.com or call us at 613-936-6873.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Marie Morrell
Executive Director
Parade of Nations for the Developmentally Challenged