I am Jean. With my buddy Javier, we are excited to fundraise for our beloved Rainbow Centre to support RC's underprivileged families, and pilot projects to integrate our youths into community.

Javier is an amazing champion of his friends and teachers. We met six years ago at an inclusive arts workshop, where I was dressed in a funny burger and fries costume. During a moment when I lifted him out of his wheelchair, he whispered in my ear: "Can you decide if you want to be a burger or fries?" We broke out in laughter, and a friendship was formed. That day, his parting words were: "Come to my school, you will love my friends."

I did. Many times after as a volunteer and finally as staff. Getting to work in RC is a privilege, as I've come to appreciate the courage and resilience that our community has in navigating the ups and downs of our mission. Javier is an epitome of Beyond Disability. Despite his physical challenges, he has a never ending thirst for knowledge. I believe deeply in his potential and can't wait for him to master his assistive tech to go wherever he wants and experience the world.

I've always believed that inclusion benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. I have gained a friend, a purpose and another home (not just an office!).

In return, we would like to thank our supporters by inviting you to our birthday party. We both celebrate our birthdays 9 days apart in July and love to meet new friends. Please support our campaign! :)

Rainbow Centre recently celebrated its 35th anniversary of building empowered, included and thriving lives for persons with disabilities. What's next for us beyond this milestone?

RC35 and Beyond is a fundraising campaign which charts Rainbow Centre's future focus in building inclusive communities and expanding pathways for young adults with disabilities. The campaign gathers members of our community to support our mission through digital fundraising for three key areas of need: supporting low resource families, pilot programmes such as those in the Post-18 space for young adults with disabilities and student care services, as well as innovation efforts to improve service quality.

Donations made from now to 31 March 2023 under the RC35 and Beyond campaign can attract dollar-for-dollar matching from the Tote Board under its Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme. Double your impact and donate today!

#RC35andBeyond

Rainbow Centre recently celebrated its 35th anniversary of serving persons with disabilities. We invite you to learn more about our work at: bit.ly/rc35film

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At Rainbow Centre, we envision a world where persons with disabilities are empowered and thriving in inclusive communities.

We work with our partners to create opportunities for persons with disabilities to make the most of their abilities and participate meaningfully in society. Through practical education, meaningful support and useful training programmes, we strive to increase the quality of life for them and their families.

Registered as a charity in 1992, Rainbow Centre is an Institution of a Public Character.