Team showcases services during annual event
Deb Bartlett
Windy weather didn’t affect the enthusiasm of posAbilities’ Laurel team in the 4th annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks, held Sunday, Sept. 25.
Sareth Ly, service co-ordinator for Laurel Behaviour Support Services, says the 14-member team raised $2,882 for autism research.
The team’s goal was $2,000, so “we were more than happy,” says Sareth.
The Laurel team was comprised of behaviour consultants, team leaders from other posAbilities programs and one member of the community who learned about posAbilities and wanted to walk with them.
“We said yep, get on board,” says Sareth. “Anyone could have joined the team.”
Additionally, posAbilities had a booth in the resource fair, showcasing the services provided by community organizations.
Bad weather held off during the event, but “before and after were a little chaotic,” she says.
A lot of people turned out for the event despite the weather, she says. There were a lot families and young children, “so it was a lot of fun.”
The posAbilities’ team brought a sand and water table, and Gizmo the clown, to engage passersby.
It’s the second year that posAbilities participated in the walk.
Sareth says posAbilities is going in the direction of community inclusion and community integration, so getting out into the community and letting them know what services they offer, what they do and “our philosophies and values” is the biggest value in participating in such events.
“It’s giving to the community as well,” she says, “because obviously they give back to us.”
Sareth says the event is fairly new, and she sees much growth potential.
Proceeds of the walk support autism research in Canada, and the awareness piece is important, too, says Sareth.
She felt the event was a lot of fun, and she looks forward to participating again next year.
The Laurel Behaviour Support Services provide direct support to families and children and youth with autism, although the children may be involved with other posAbilities programs.
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