The K.O.B. program of attitude awareness was created by special education teacher, Barbara Aiello of Washington, D.C., in the late 1970's and has become an internationally recognized educational programme with troupes performing throughout the United States, Canada and other countries.
Locally, the Kids on the Block began as a joint venture between various health and education agencies and volunteers. The idea originated from the Advisory Committee of the Children's Rehabilitation Program of the Cornwall General Hospital who, along with representatives of other groups and agencies, explored the feasibility of introducing the program in S.D. & G. The Ottawa-Carleton Kids on the Block provided consultation and continue to share information with the group.
The following organizations have been involved with the Kids on the Block in a variety of capacities:
Cornwall General Hospital
S.D. & G. Public and Catholic Board of Education
Easter Seals
St. Lawrence College
Farm Boy
S.D. & G. Developmental Services
Various Service Clubs
The .S.D. & G. Puppeteers for Kids on the Block operates on donations from agencies, service clubs, organizations, corporations and fundraising activities of the volunteers. The funds are used to purchase the puppets and scripts required to perform for children's groups in schools and the rest of the community.
Joanne Marcotte and Collette Bellemare have been instrumental in doing much of the groundwork necessary to start the program. They were the first puppeteers with the troupe and have continued to train new puppeteers, perform, plan and participate in fundraising activities.
The recruitment of volunteers is always a challenge and like other groups new people are always needed and wanted. Interested individuals can participate in any of several different activities - puppeteering, planning, fundraising, etc. If you would like to join our group and share your expertise or just get more information, you may contact us by phone or E-mail as follows:
Cheryl Budge 527-2125, Bonnie Biles 936-6655, Viper@cnwl.igs.net
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