Stopgap Foundation

Our mission is to raise awareness about barriers in our built environment that prevent many people from enjoying the spaces that they desire in their communities. StopGap's first endeavor to achieve its awareness raising goal was the launch of its first Community Ramp Project in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood. Through material donations from local hardware stores and volunteer labour from inspired community residents the Community Ramp Project provides deployable ramps at no cost to businesses with a single stepped entry. The lightweight plywood ramps are brightly coloured to attract attention and are stenciled with the StopGap website address (StopGap.ca) in order to direct those interested to learn all about the project. It has become clear from the incredibly positive outcome of the first Community Ramp Project that similar projects can be launched in different communities across the GTA and it's huge potential to raise awareness nationally. To further the foundation's awareness raising goals, the StopGap School Presentation program was formed. School groups are introduced to the term inclusivity via the Community Ramp Project, the ramp project is used as an example of how to recognize a challenge or barrier in life and what to do to overcome it. The program dovetails seamlessly into most school board's character building curriculum. Along with The Ramp Man storybook, school presentations introduce young creative minds to the Community Ramp Project. The next generation of physical barrier problem solvers are found in schools across the country and already many have found excitement in taking on ramp projects of their own.