Association for Community Living

Sydney’s Story

Sydney was born with a rare genetic condition called Coffin Siris syndrome which has affected her hearing, vision, communication, social and cognitive functioning. Her love of pets and babies was evident at an early age and this was encouraged by her family and school team. Sydney started out by making 4 double fleece pet blankets for a school fundraiser when she was 15 years old. She packaged these blankets with a small toy and homemade pet treats and donated them to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Her resource teacher suggested that she personalize pet blankets on the school’s embroidery machine and sell them. Within a couple of months and, with the help of her family and educational assistant, she sold over 60 pet and newborn baby blankets. After one year, she had sold enough “Kozys” to purchase her own embroidery machine and now makes all of her blankets at home with help from her support worker and family.

Sydney donates $1.00 from the sale of each blanket to a variety of pet shelters and rescues. To date, Sydney has donated over $3000, including many of her fleece “Kozys”.

In January, 2015, Sydney entered the “Just Watch Me” video contest for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. She was selected by a panel of judges as one of four finalists winning the entire contest through public on-line voting. Her contest video entry can be viewed on YouTube (Kozy Kritters by Sydney). Entering the “Just Watch Me” contest has given Sydney media exposure that has not only helped her business grow, but most importantly, brought attention to the possibilities and contributions that persons with disabilities can offer

Sydney is also a recipient of a “Yes I Can” award through the Council for Exception Children and nominated twice for an International Award.

Sydney currently attends the adult day program at Association for Community Living (ACL) in Beausejour, MB and make dog biscuits and tug toys with a group of friends at ACL. 100% of profits from biscuit sales are donated to animal shelters.

THIS BLANKET IS UNIQUE AND ONE OF A KIND BECAUSE SYDNEY CHOSE THE FABRIC AND TOY JUST FOR YOU AND YOUR LITTLE “KRITTER”!

Sydney in her workroom at home

https://kozykritters.ca/

Jeff's Story

My name is Jeff Stoneham and I am the owner of Jeff Stoneham’s Creative Planters.

Beginning in February of 2015, I started off producing “O.M.G Letterbox Planters” where a letter of your choice and colour is built into a planter and filled with an array of succulents. This eventually led to creating and selling cat and dog shaped planters as well!

Since the summer of 2017 I have expanded to include my “Message on a Bottle Planters”, where recycled glass bottles are sprayed with chalkboard paint and topped with foliage, and my “Tree-mendous Planters”, which involve a hollowed out log filled with succulents.