Moose Jaw Families for Change, an organization that advocates for, supports, includes, and enriches the lives of people with varying abilities, held their annual Bubly stand fundraiser for Autism Speaks on Aug. 24, drawing plenty of community members out in support.
The stand was outside the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre at 335 4th Avenue SW from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"I think this is our third year for having our Bubly stand for Autism Speaks," said Mariah Mann, program co-ordinator for Moose Jaw Families for Change (MJFFC). "We do one every summer for Autism Speaks, and we chose them because they do research for autism and help educate for autism, and obviously that's near and dear to our hearts, because we support individuals here who have an autism diagnosis. So, we like to give back any way we can, and put efforts forward for the community that gives to us as well."
Autism Speaks has five mission objectives as an organization:
- Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism
- Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs
- Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions
- Improving the transition to adulthood
- Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan
MJFFC client Devin Magnuson always enjoys the Bubly stand and took his usual place on the sidewalk calling and waving to passersby. His friendliness and legendary big smile helps bring the visitors each year, along with his friends who help run the stand.
"It's pretty good," Magnuson said happily. "We're selling Bublys, and they cost a dollar each."
Clive Tolley, the mayor of Moose Jaw, was one of the visitors who stopped for a drink.
"Well, I've got a bit of a busy day, but I was invited to come down here to come down and help promote the Bubly stand and I thought that was important," Tolley said. "I was more than happy to come down, I'm kind of a semi-regular customer at the Kinsmen Cafe, where I have breakfast occasionally, so yes, happy to come down."
Karlee Hennenfent works at the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre for MJFFC and said she was happy to see so many people out supporting a great cause.
"We're raising money for autism, so hopefully we'll get some funds put toward that. We've been out here for a couple hours now, lots of smiling faces, and hopefully we'll see even more."
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