Project "THUMBS UP CAFE"
Donation protected
Shiamak’s VICTORY Arts Foundation and North Shore Head Start Society would like to introduce you to three remarkable young men who have Down Syndrome - Nick, Gallagher and Mark. Together, with the assistance of a life skills worker they operate a kiosk style concession stand at Karen Magnussen Rec Centre in North Vancouver. Thumbs Up Cafe - Snacks with a Smile.
The kiosk was started by the not for profit organization their mothers started called North Shore Head Start Society. It is a registered charity dedicated to promoting ongoing skill development and to provide work experience for qualified young adults with a mental handicap.
These parents wanted to help provide training opportunities and sustainable employment for their children and other community members with disabilities. They wanted their sons to be able to work with their peers, continue learning, being challenged and be active.
While there were programs in the community for recreation and social development there was few real work opportunities. This opportunity was made possible after 2 years of fundraising and many friends and supporters.
The young men volunteer their time as the kiosk does not make enough money to pay salaries and in fact it needs more money coming in to be sustainable. They are currently struggling to maintain Thumbs Up Cafe due to lack of funds, which will adversely affect their jobs and the legacy they hope to leave.
Shiamak’s VICTORY Arts Foundation is a ‘not-for-profit’ organization that uses dance as therapy to empower special needs individuals. Founded by Shiamak Davar, his trained faculty spread the joy of dance at various locations building self-esteem, confidence, self-awareness and healing through dance.
We know these men because besides working at Thumbs Up Cafe, they perform regularly with our VICTORY dance program since 2008. They have become premier performers - performing at community events, cultural and theatrical events and working directly with the SHIAMAK Vancouver Dance Team. They have become leaders in the dance program and are professional, talented performers. We have enjoyed watching their confidence and self esteem grow and develop. We want to see that they continue with their dance and their work.
We are asking that you donate to help keep Thumbs Up Cafe going so that Nick, Gall and Mark can continue serving Snacks with a Smile and so that the North Shore Head Start Society can continue creating awareness about the importance of employment and opportunities for more individuals with special needs.
If this story has touched you, please spread the word to as many people as you can. And if you are interested in a performance by these fabulous VICTORY performers, please get in touch with us. We’d love to talk to you.
The kiosk was started by the not for profit organization their mothers started called North Shore Head Start Society. It is a registered charity dedicated to promoting ongoing skill development and to provide work experience for qualified young adults with a mental handicap.
These parents wanted to help provide training opportunities and sustainable employment for their children and other community members with disabilities. They wanted their sons to be able to work with their peers, continue learning, being challenged and be active.
While there were programs in the community for recreation and social development there was few real work opportunities. This opportunity was made possible after 2 years of fundraising and many friends and supporters.
The young men volunteer their time as the kiosk does not make enough money to pay salaries and in fact it needs more money coming in to be sustainable. They are currently struggling to maintain Thumbs Up Cafe due to lack of funds, which will adversely affect their jobs and the legacy they hope to leave.
Shiamak’s VICTORY Arts Foundation is a ‘not-for-profit’ organization that uses dance as therapy to empower special needs individuals. Founded by Shiamak Davar, his trained faculty spread the joy of dance at various locations building self-esteem, confidence, self-awareness and healing through dance.
We know these men because besides working at Thumbs Up Cafe, they perform regularly with our VICTORY dance program since 2008. They have become premier performers - performing at community events, cultural and theatrical events and working directly with the SHIAMAK Vancouver Dance Team. They have become leaders in the dance program and are professional, talented performers. We have enjoyed watching their confidence and self esteem grow and develop. We want to see that they continue with their dance and their work.
We are asking that you donate to help keep Thumbs Up Cafe going so that Nick, Gall and Mark can continue serving Snacks with a Smile and so that the North Shore Head Start Society can continue creating awareness about the importance of employment and opportunities for more individuals with special needs.
If this story has touched you, please spread the word to as many people as you can. And if you are interested in a performance by these fabulous VICTORY performers, please get in touch with us. We’d love to talk to you.
Organizer
Rosemary Ramsay
Organizer
North Vancouver, BC