Children's Design International Collection, WINTER 2024

Winter 2024

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MEET CDIC NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Ali Ashter

Ali is a highly analytical finance professional with over a decade of experience in financial analysis, business intelligence, and process optimization. With a strong background in leveraging data-driven insights, Ali has contributed to strategic decision-making and operational efficiency across diverse industries.

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Flora Liu

Flora is an MBA graduate from Queen's University, bringing a wealth of international experience spanning the UK, China, and Canada. With a strong passion for creativity and user experience in digital products, she has over five years of experience in IT project management and product development. Flora excels at solving complex business challenges by leveraging modern technologies. Inspired by a belief in the power of imagination and creativity, Flora finds inspiration in children's stories and drawings, which reflect the simplicity and joy in life that adults often lose as they grow older. As she said: “Children's art offers a unique window into seeing the world, inspiring creativity and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.”

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Gurleen Kaur Sarao

Gurleen is a Business Administration student at Laurentian University with a strong foundation in accounting, logistics, and financial management. In her current role as Finance Intern with the Nova Scotia Government, Gurleen has honed her skills in financial analysis, disaster recovery claims, and process optimization, all while driving transparency and accuracy in fiscal operations. As Treasurer, Gurleen is leveraging her expertise to build sustainable financial practices that support the preservation of children’s art. She is inspired by the authenticity of children’s creative expression and its power to foster cultural understanding. Her experiences motivate her to bring innovative and forward-thinking perspectives to her role at CDIC.

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Robert Madrigal

Robert is a dedicated professional with a passion for cultural development, business management, and financial strategy. As a former Undersecretary of Heritage, Libraries, and Cultural Infrastructure, he has led transformative projects, enhanced accessibility to cultural rights and promoted cultural initiatives. This includes managing a network of 57 public libraries and preserving cultural heritage in Cali, Colombia. Currently, Robert is pursuing a Master’s in Management at the University of Niagara Falls, he combines a strong academic foundation with a commitment to empowering communities through education and cultural expressions.

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Sangeetha Gnanavel

As a young mother, Sangeetha was one of the early volunteers and item contributors of our collection. A lifelong learner and active listener with strong mentoring skills, she helps community organizations dedicated to helping children navigate the world. Sangeetha holds a bachelor degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Madras. Upon joining as board member, she said: “I am delighted to contribute my skills and experience to the Children’s Design International Collection as a volunteer, assisting in the overall functioning of the Board and making a meaningful impact.”

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THANK YOU OUT GOING BOARD MEMBER

Nish Parameswaran

After nearly two years with CDIC, Nish will step down in the first quarter of 2025. We are most grateful to her. With her cool and her bright mind, Nish helped our collection emerge from the pandemic years, and keep a steady pace to success. All the best in your new challenge Nish! Come back anytime.

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FAMILIES HAVE SPOKEN

The recent research report produced for our collection shows a near consensus (95% +) on many fronts. Notably that children’s art strengthens family bond, supports and allows tracking of development, boost in self-esteem, and acts as a tool for reflecting on childhood and life. No wonder then that a vast majority of respondents (80%) value children’s art. Even more (88%) think that these objects have high social and cultural value.

While 80% parents preserved their kid’s art, 60% lack time and/or space. A mere 43 % see the advantage of preserving the their child’s art outside the home, but 70 % see this kind of shared preservation as a boost to self-esteem for their child.

Scholars take note. Supporting research is one extra motivation for a third of the families (38%) who would preserve this heritage even if only for this common good deed.

Source: Factors influencing families’ decision to preserve children’s artwork. Syed Mahamad et al. McMaster University, September 2024.

BE OUR SPONSOR

We have put together a detailed sponsorship package for corporate entities that wish to accompany us in our conservation and educational programs. Businesses of all sizes are welcome to participate.

WALK IN THE SNOW OR THE SAND THIS WINTER

Mathieu made Santa in the snow c1999. This snowy scene is part of the Gisèle Dallaire fonds, in our collection.

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Children's Design International Collection
Hamilton, CANADA
Registered charity BN 770946317 RR0001