How's your summer?

Are you someone who'd rather be too hot than too cold or the other way around?  My take on it is that I can always put on an extra sweater, grab another blanket or pour another hot cup of tea, but in the sweltering heat I can't sleep at night, can't focus in the daytime and the whole underwear-only thing is against the dress code at work!  Of course, weather wreaks a special kind of havoc in the lives of people living with disabilities, with sidewalk-clogging snow in winter and sweat glands that won't cooperate in the summer.  As the late comedienne Gilda Radner used to say, "It's Always Something"

Today is the hottest day of the summer yet.  Less than 3 weeks ago we were nervously doing our sun dance for the annual CPA Ontario AGM and BBQ.  The dancing apparently paid off because we didn't get rained on and the sun actually peeked out at about 5:30!  Were you there?  Did you have a good time?  As I write this, my right arm in Membership, Mary Lynn, is making calls to all of you who attended to get your feedback on the day.  Please give her a couple of minutes when she calls, Mary Lynn is super nice to talk to and we really value your opinions!

I hope you got a copy of the 2010 - 2011 Annual Report, which is full of uplilfting personal stories from clients, volunteers and staff in addition to some impressive statistics and reports on CPA Ontario's work over the past year.  It really underlines the theme of the report and the AGM this year, that when lightning strikes, we've got your back, and you've got your future!

One of the highlights of my AGM this year was the Pop Tab Collection.  We unveiled a brand new 3-1/2' high receptacle to collect the tabs from pop cans, which are then sold for scrap metal and the proceeds go to buying wheelchairs for people in need!  Our own Steve Hastings (Attendant Services) filled up the receptacle twice over, and all together we estimate we will get enough money from the collection to buy "1 and a half" wheelchairs!  I have since become obsessed, picking up cans I see abandoned as I walk my dog, recycling the can and pocketing the tab.  I need help!  (Collecting pop tabs, that is...)  It's gonna be a thirsty summer, so snap off those tabs and bring them into your local CPA Ontario office.

Until next time, stay cool!

Ann