Winnifred Stewart Swag Shop

Some exciting news, our WS Swag shop is now live!

When you follow the link below you will find a virtual pop-up shop for WS swag for you to purchase. The pop-up shop has hoodies, quarter-zips, t-shirts, crewnecks, polos and hats, all branded with the WS logo. All clothing items go up to a size 3xl or larger.

After you have purchased your items and the pop-up shop has closed, and they will be delivered to the main building - once they have arrived, we will let you know when you can come and grab your stuff!

The pop-up closes on Monday, July 5th

Shop now: https://elitepromomarketing.commonsku.com/shop/8243e8d1-34bf-4769-a4b3-57ee6f4eaba9

Read our 2020/2021 Annual Report!

Our 2020/2021 Annual Report is hot off the presses! View is it here to see what WSAF was up to the past year!

Virtual Family & Guardain Town Hall - Thursday, June 10th!

Please join Winnifred Stewart Association's CEO, Sue Gilchrist, for a virtual Town Hall next Thursday.

Topic: Family and Guardians Town Hall:  COVID-19 Reopening Plan

Time: Thursday, June 10th, 2021 @ 7 PM

Zoom Meeting:           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89510419328

Meeting ID:                   895 1041 9328

Passcode:                      017089

One Tap Mobile:         +16475580588,,89510419328# Canada

+17789072071,,89510419328# Canada

If you have any questions or concerns in advance of this town hall, please don't hesitate to contact Sue at 780-222-3440.

EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO HOST RE/MAX ONLINE 50/50 NIGHT IN MEMORY OF JOEY MOSS, IN Support OF WSA, EDSS AND SOA

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Press Release:

EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO HOST RE/MAX Online 50/50 NIGHT IN MEMORY OF JOEY MOSS

Fans can purchase tickets at www.EdmontonOilers.com/5050

(EDMONTON, AB) – The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) will host a second special night of the RE/MAX online 50/50 Raffle to honour the legacy of Joey Moss. Building on the success of the special John Muckler 50/50 on February 2, the night in memory of Joey Moss will take place on Monday, February 15 versus the Winnipeg Jets. Net proceeds generated from the night will benefit the Winnifred Stewart Association, Special Olympics Edmonton and the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society.

Joey Moss endeared himself to the players, coaches, staff and fans of the Oilers working in the team’s dressing room for over 35 years. Joey was born with Down’s syndrome and since starting with the Oilers, he quickly became the backbone of the organization. Joey could always be seen helping the other members of the Oilers training staff on a daily basis from the start of training camp until the final whistle each spring. Joey also became an inspiration to the many current and former Edmonton Oilers, as well as a role model for the Down Syndrome community, excelling at his job and demonstrating anything is possible.

Numerous members of the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Oilers Alumni Association are supporting the initiative and will be sharing stories and memories of their friend Joey throughout the day.

“Joey Moss was a beloved member of the Oilers family and the EOCF is honoured to continue Joey’s legacy and his dedication to the Winnifred Stewart Association, Special Olympics Edmonton and the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society. With the success of our 50/50 program, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is proud to support local organizations that were deeply rooted in Joey’s life”, said Craig Simpson, Vice Chair, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and Oilers Alumni,

The Winnifred Stewart Association will direct use of the funds they receive to continue Joey's legacy of advocating for employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by raising awareness about inclusive employment, fostering employment & entrepreneurship opportunities; and supporting employment programs for people with developmental disabilities throughout Alberta.

"We are so grateful to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, and the greater Edmonton community, for their support in helping us ensure we can continue to carry on Joey's legacy through the Joey Moss Memorial Fund," said Candace Smallwood, Director of Communications & Development, Winnifred Stewart Foundation. "The Edmonton Oilers meant the world to Joey, and Joey has done so much for our community through his work as an ambassador for inclusion. We're honoured to be working together to ensure we can continue on his work, creating greater and more inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities."

About the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation:

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership and continues its deep legacy of giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our valued hockey fans, Oilers players and alumni, the EOCF Board of Directors, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) employees and the Katz Family, the Foundation has contributed over $43 million to more than 2,900 charities, community groups and minor hockey programs across Oil Country since 2001. For more information, visit OilersFoundation.ca.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented by Molson Canadian, Rogers, Ford and Scotiabank. 

Read the full press release here: https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-eocf-to-honour-joey-moss-with-special-5050/c-321304200

Online Auction

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is also hosting an online auction until February 17th, with proceeds from the sale of Edmonton Oilers Opening Night Pre-game Warm Up Worn Joey Moss Tribute Jerseys going to the Joey Moss Memorial Fund.

https://auctions.nhl.com/iSynApp/allAuction.action?sid=1100803&rc=40&pgmode1=profilepage&pgcust1=oilers&pgcust2=partner&pgcust3=panname_profileName_s&qt%5b0%5d.type=fieldmatch&qt%5b0%5d.name=panname_profileName_s&qt%5b0%5d.value1=oilers

Immunization Support for our Individuals

Dear supporters,

We are asking for your assistance as we continue to advocate to ensure all people with developmental disabilities receive the COVID-19 vaccination in a timely manner.

Although we have been informed that people living in our residences will be included in the Phase 1a of the immunization program, many people who are not residing in a congregate living setting, who are still at extremely high risk of contracting COVID-19 are not currently included in the immunization rollout plan.

We have prepared the draft letter (below) for your review and use if you wish to send a letter to your local MLA. As well, please find a link below to a listing to help you find your local MLA if required.

https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly/constituencies

---

MLA Address 

Attention:         Local MLA

Dear MLA,

As my MLA, I am writing to you as a concerned supporter of the Winnifred Stewart Association (WSA). WSA is an Edmonton based not-for-profit organization under contract with the Government of Alberta to deliver critical 24/7 residential support for adults with developmental disabilities in licensed supportive living homes. They also provide employment and community access support for adults with developmental disabilities through their Day Services program.

Thank you for the hard work of you and your team to help keep as many Albertan's safe throughout this pandemic as possible. Since the pandemic began, we have been genuinely grateful for the support and resources provided by Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Government.

I am aware of the Government's phased immunization program for COVID-19 vaccines and understand through the rollout plan that the intention is to vaccinate the most vulnerable Albertans between January and March 2021.

The Albertans supported by WSA are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and are at high risk of experiencing severe outcomes should they become infected.

Thank you for the recent notification that staff members and people living in licensed supportive living settings will be included in the first phase of immunizations. This will go a long way in keeping many people safe.

I am writing to you today to ensure all people with developmental disabilities and their direct support staff are included in Phase 1a of vaccinations.

Although many of these individuals may not be living in congregate settings, in most cases they are living at home with elderly parents, working in high-risk environments (service industry), require public transportation (DATS) for all travel needs, and are in general, at high risk of contracting the virus, and experiencing severe outcomes once they become infected due to age or preexisting conditions. 

As of January 11th, we have not been advised when the larger population of Albertans who have developmental disabilities will receive their vaccinations. To date, WSA has seen four (4) people that they support through their programs pass away due to COVID-19. That’s four too many.

One of the things we Albertan's can be most proud of is our ability and determination to care for and protect our most vulnerable.

I am asking you to please ensure that all people with developmental disabilities and their direct support staff are included in Phase 1a of vaccinations. Please help us stop the rapid spread of the virus in our community so we do not continue to lose lives.

Again, thank you for your leadership as Alberta navigates this unprecedented and challenging time in our history and thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

 Name

c.c.      Honourable Rajan Sawhney

Minister, Community and Social Services

c.c.      Local MLA

Direct Support Professionals; our everyday hereos

Over the past nine months, WSA's Direct Support Professionals have continued to go above and beyond to support adults with developmental disabilities in our community.

As the virus continues to spread at a rapid rate, our brave staff continue to forge ahead, to provide unparalleled care to the people they have dedicated their careers to support.

This year has come with more fear, stress and grief than we have ever experienced before, and every day, our staff continue on with grace and compassion.

Thank you to our staff and all Direct Support Professionals who put others' lives before their own to ensure that people with developmental disabilities can continue to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

#DirectSupportProfessionals #DirectSupportHeros #WSAFamily #COVID19

Join us on December 10th for a Family & Guardian Virtual Town Hall

Please join us on Dec 10 @ 7pm for a virtual family/guardian town hall for Residential and Day Services, hosted by Sue Gilchrist, CEO. We'll be discussing the day program suspension and Christmas visits for Residential Services.

Time: Dec 10, 2020 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89782674841

Phone: 1-587-328-1099

Meeting ID: 897 8267 4841

Passcode: 075900

We hope to see you there!

RELEASE: EE Football Club’s 50/50 Event, Sponsored by Sentinel Storage, Raises Record Breaking, $991,800

For Immediate Release
Monday, November 23, 2020

Edmonton, AB - The Winnifred Stewart Association is overwhelmed by the community’s support of the EE Football Club's 50/50 event, in support of WSA's Joey Moss Memorial Fund.

On Sunday, November 22, the EE Football Club hosted an Alberta-wide online 50/50 event, sponsored by Sentinel Storage, in support of WSA’s Joey Moss Memorial Fund, with a total pot value of $991,800. The largest 50/50 in the Team’s history was $871,839, set at the July 14, 2017 home game against Ottawa.

With the owner of the winning ticket bringing home $495,900, the EE Football Club will be donating the remainder of the earnings, nearly half a million, to the Winnifred Stewart Association's Joey Moss Memorial Fund.

“We are beyond grateful to the EE Football Club and each and every Albertan who purchased a 50/50 ticket today. The outpouring of community spirit is overwhelming. The support in honour of Joey Moss to continue his legacy of advocating for people with developmental disabilities will truly make a difference is so many people’s lives.” says, Sue Gilchrist, CEO for the Winnifred Stewart Association.

Funds raised by Winnifred Stewart Association's Joey Moss Memorial Fund will be used to continue Joey's legacy of advocating for employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by:

• Launching an awareness campaign to promote the value of employing people with developmental disabilities

• Fostering employment & entrepreneurship opportunities for people with developmental disabilities

• Supporting the success of programs focused on employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities
  

For more information about the 50/50 event, as well as the winning ticket number, please visit https://www.esks.com/50-50.

Media Contact:
Candace Smallwood
Director of Development & Communications
Winnifred Stewart Association & Foundation
CandaceS@wsaf.ca
780-974-3190

 

RELEASE: EE Football Club Hosts 50/50 Event in Support of Joey Moss Memorial Fund

For Immediate Release 
Friday, November 13, 2020 

Edmonton, AB - The Winnifred Stewart Association is honoured to be selected as the recipient of the upcoming EE Football Club's 50/50, sponsored by Sentinel Storage, as they continue to celebrate Joey's Memory.  

On Sunday, November 22, with what would have been the 108th Grey Cup game, the EE Football Club will be hosting a 50/50 event which will coincide with a live stream of the Team's 8th Championship win at the 68th Grey Cup game, originally aired on November 23, 1980.  

The Alberta-wide online fundraising event will run from 10:00 am MST until 8:00 pm MST on November 22, with all net proceeds donated to the Winnifred Stewart Association in support of the Joey Moss Memorial Fund.  

"Joey meant a lot to this City. A 50/50 of this magnitude has the potential to change a lot of people's lives. We're excited to be working with the EE Football Club to continue Joey's legacy." says Candace Smallwood, Director of Development for the Winnifred Stewart Association and Foundation. 

The Joey Moss Memorial Fund was created after Joey's passing on October 26, in response to Joey's family's request for donations in lieu of flowers, to be provided to the Winnifred Stewart Association.  

"It's been incredible to see the memories and tributes being shared since Joey's passing, like Joey's name being painted on to the field of Commonwealth Stadium. We're grateful to be working with the Moss family to now create a fund in Joey's memory that can really make a difference and increase the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. The EE Football Club hosting this 50/50 in honour of Joey could really help make that happen," says Candace.  

Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB

Funds raised by Winnifred Stewart Association's Joey Moss Memorial Fund will be used to continue Joey's legacy of advocating for employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by: 

• Launching an awareness campaign to promote the value of employing people with developmental disabilities 

• Fostering employment & entrepreneurship opportunities for people with developmental disabilities 

• Supporting the success of programs focused on employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities 

Thank you to the EE Football Club for partnering with us to help make this fund a reality. For full details or to purchase tickets on November 22, please visit www.esks.com/5050 . 
 

AGLC Raffle License # 566618 
 

Media Contact: 
Candace Smallwood 
Director of Development & Communications 
Winnifred Stewart Association & Foundation 
CandaceS@wsaf.ca 
780-453-6707

The Passing of Joey Moss - Official Statement

Statement from the family:

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Joey Moss. Joey passed away peacefully on October 26th at the age of 57 with his family by his side.

Joey was a remarkable person who taught us to love, laugh, and enjoy life always. While Joey is most recognized as the dressing room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team, and singing the national anthem; Joey is also remembered for his incredible dance moves and putting a smile on your face when you are feeling down.

Joey’s 35 years tenure with the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team shows his dedication and loyalty to the jobs that he loved. His strong work ethic and contributions were rewarded, as he was presented with an NHL All-Star Award, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award, and was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, just to name a few.

We would like to thank the City of Edmonton and everyone who supported and embraced Joey.  

We hope that Joey's legacy will continue on through the Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Football Team, and all professional sports clubs and workplaces, as we continue to recognize the contributions that people with developmental disabilities make in our society, as integral members of the workforce.

In lieu of flowers, the Moss family requests a donation be made to the Winnifred Stewart Foundation.

Although we know how important Joey was not just to his close friends and family, but our City as a whole, we ask that the family's privacy please be respected at this time.

Statement from Winnifred Stewart Association:

On behalf of everyone at Winnifred Stewart Association and Foundation, we are deeply saddened by the news of Joey’s passing. Joey and his family have been involved with the Winnifred Stewart Association for so many years, and he has touched the hearts of us all.

Joey was an inspiration to many and was an ambassador for people with developmental disabilities. This loss will be felt far and wide, and we are so grateful for the time we had with him.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Joey’s family, his friends and all of Edmonton during this difficult time.

-        Winnifred Stewart Association & Foundation