All seven Bonnyville schools will soon be able to offer therapeutic sensory rooms for autistic students thanks to a large donation from Rednecks with a Cause.
The non-profit organization held it's third annual fundraising gala on Saturday night and announced a $17,500 commitment to the school system with Notre Dame Elementary, Duclos, H.E. Bourgoin, Dr. Brosseau, Ecole des Beaux Lacs, Notre Dame High and Bonnyville Centralized High each getting $2,500.
“The community has been so gracious with donations for the last three years, so now it is our turn to give back,” said Kim Barrie a volunteer for Rednecks with a Cause.
A deal has been set up with a equipment provider out of Toronto, which will allow the schools to get equipment for the sensory rooms at a discounted price. Chairs, materials and other sensory tools will be purchased to outfit a room in each school, so teachers can offer kids on the autism spectrum a quiet place to go.
“On top of hosting conferences we have been looking for ways to (give) back into our school system and this was our way of (giving) back this year,” said Gary Mostert, president of Rednecks with a Cause.
“In sensory rooms children on the spectrum will have a place were they can wind down and calm down if they are having a rough day in school.”
Representatives from many of the local schools were part of the 200 residents who packed into the Beaver River Fish and Game building for the third annual autism awareness dinner, dance and auction.
Over $37,000 was collected from the evening bringing the groups three year total to over $237,000.
While the long-term goal is to raise enough money to buy land and build a support centre for students and adults on the spectrum, the organization's short-term goal is to improve the support in the education system.
“We feel it is a good way to prepare teachers, classroom aids and caregivers through our conferences, but it is also good for us to donate money for equipment and staff help in the local schools,” said Mostert.
Special objects, lighting, music, and aromatherapy will be bought for the sensory rooms to help students calm down.
“They need to be able to escape the sensory overload that they sometimes feel,” said Barrie. “Different types of chairs, materials for them to focus, and other tools are there to help all kids, not just kids on the spectrum, concentrate better in and out of the classroom.”
Barrie also highlighted the fact that the items in each sensory room at the local schools may be different as the needs for the students change dramatically from the elementary level up to the high school level.
The community came out in full force on Saturday and helped contribute to another successful autism awareness fundraiser.
“Regardless of the economy we have local business people, parents, teachers and others who always come out and support us. This year we didn't have to beg a single person for a silent auction item or to buy a table or a seat,” said Mostert.
The continued support and generous donations from the community lead to a group of local “rednecks” being able to support their cause.
