May 2025: Kelly DeRidder Takes Her Seat and Gets to Work

, and I look forward to serving you with dedication and integrity.

, and being representation for the values and concerns of our communities.

soon.

l while having fun. From the people who put their lives on hold, to the ones that came especially for election day and night. I thank you. We started with a very small group of us, that stayed with us through the entire journey, to this incredible group of people, and on election day we had just under 100 people walk through our doors in some sort of volunteering capacity. Unreal really for just 37 days together. We distributed a record number of signs in Kitchener Centre. We managed get get across the entire riding, knocking on doors and connecting with the community. So from our sign team, to our phone team, to our canvassers, our data team, to our drivers, to our volunteers that came out just to handle the odds and ends. I thank you. We did this together, I could not and would not have done it without you. So I thank you.

If you haven’t heard of them, Artshine is a mobile art program that’s been enriching communities for 10 years. They offer lunchtime and after-school programs, as well as accessible art through WRDSB. They even have summer camps, and there’s still space available! Check them out. 🌈 Friday: I attended the grand opening of Kaleidoscope, the latest exhibit at the THEMUSEUM —what a mesmerizing experience! I highly recommend visiting, whether solo or with your family. It’s an immersive, mind-bending journey for all ages. I even ran into Mike Farewell who's goal it is to raise $150,000 in May, which is the month to share a light on Cystic Fibrosis. Visit https://farwell4hire.com/ to help him reach this goal. 🎶 Sunday: I had the honor of being invited to the final show of the season for Pop Nation Canada. The local talent was truly outstanding! An evening filled with amazing vocals, choreography, and pure music therapy. The teams behind this event are remarkably skilled, bringing together performers ranging from ages 6 to 65+. If you’re interested in getting involved or attending their next season shows, check them out. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who welcomed me into these inspiring artistic spaces! 💙

d donation helps them serve more children in our community. Thank-you ladies for sharing and spending some time with me. I look forward to more conversations and collaboration in the future.

ds across the region will come together to sell lemonade, raising funds to help at-risk kids attend summer camp—an experience that fosters growth, confidence, and lasting memories. What makes this campaign truly inspiring is that it’s kids helping kids—a testament to the strength of community and the impact of collective generosity. More families are needed to sign up and make a difference. Thanks to generous sponsors like Activa, participants receive their own lemonade stand, while McDonald's provides all the lemonade needed. Other sponsors are also a big part of this initiative. 100% of every dollar raised goes directly toward sending children to camp, ensuring they have access to enriching experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. This initiative is more than just a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity to change lives. By participating, families are giving children the chance to build friendships, develop new skills, and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment. The more families that join, the greater the impact. If you're interested in signing up, donating or spreading the word, now is the time to act! Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across the region. https://www.facswaterloo.org/foundation/lemonaid