Dozens of children and their families came out to Blue Sky’s Autism Services’ eighth annual Autism Acceptance Day on Saturday, April 6.
Hosted at the old 100 Mile House Junior Secondary School site the event featured several fun activities for children to try along with resources for their parents to read. It was organized by Addilyn Ratcliff, Blue Sky’s Autism Service’s program coordinator, along with several community volunteers.
“It’s just for our families who come to Blue Sky’s to have a fun time and be with other families in a similar situation,” Ratcliff said. “We have lots of sensory situations set up, we have a few program support workers and we have face painting, which is always popular.”
She estimated they had well over 50 people show up, several of them being new which is always nice to see. Part of the reason they run the event is to connect with families who don’t make use of their services and ensure they know they can reach out to them if they need support.
“It’s just kind of a reminder that the work we’re doing is important,” Ratcliff noted. “These little individuals are an important part of our community.”
Ratcliff thanked those who volunteered their time to come out, especially a handful of Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School students. She said they did a great job playing with the kids and keeping them engaged. Thanks were also given to Save-On-Foods, 100 Mile FreshCo and Paterson Septic & Hydrovac Service for donating snacks for the kids.
Anyone looking to get involved or access Blue Sky’s Autism Service can reach out to Ratcliff via blueskysautism16@gmail.com or 250-706-2966.