It is both an honour and a privilege to once again have the opportunity to give my report at Investing in Children’s Annual General Meeting. As I look back over the year, it is with pride that I share some of our successes with you, and we continue to have many to share.

100 grade 6 & 7 students participated in our Kids Power Conference … Imagine … how this one day could inspire our leaders of tomorrow.

900 elementary and secondary students competed in the TVDSB Special Olympic Track and Field Event … Imagine … how those athletes felt adorned with their ribbons and recognized for the great human beings that they are.

Nearly 2300 children and their parents participated in our Family Literacy Events … Imagine … all of those children finding new ways to expand and explore their literacy and numeracy skills in everyday life.

Close to 4500 children and their families participated in Kids First Day … Imagine … children being able to explore many of the great opportunities that exist within our community.

750,000 meals were served in schools across London and Middlesex county this year supported by the Children’s Nutrition Network … Imagine … children no longer focused on the hunger that they were feeling but instead concentrating on their school work.

This is why we are important. This is why we make a difference. This is why the passion within us exits for this remarkable organization known as Investing in Children.

I have often been asked why I am so passionate about Investing in Children? Well if the previously noted statistics are not enough, here are some other reasons. How many people can honestly say that their work always makes a difference in the life of a child? Investing in Children can. I hope that all of you, whether you are my colleagues, my dedicated Board of Directors or supporters of Investing in Children feel this same pride. We are “Switzerland”. We focus on what is in the best interest of children and their families. We play fair, with integrity, inclusivity, compassion, commitment because we all believe, as our mission states, “that every child should be provided with opportunities to help them reach their potential”.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being a part of this wonderful organization.

Respectfully Submitted.

Anita Gilvesy

Executive Director

This year's Summer Bash was our biggest and best yet, and we'd like to thank everyone who attended, our silent and live auction donors, the Barking Frog, and Ellis Don for supporting the evening. Please check out our gallery of photos from the event.

All the money raised at the 2010 Summer Bash will benefit our neighbourhood projects in 2010-11.

There are less than five spots remaining for Book Camp London, taking place on August 9-13 at the London Public Library, Central Branch

If you'd still like to register your child, please download the registration package, and return it ASAP to Investing in Children.