Staff from Hands’ Autism Services along with children and families, celebrate a recent donation by the North Bay Professional Firefighters Association, at Hands’ Autism Centre located at 820 Lakeshore Drive.
On Wednesday May 20th, the North Bay Professional Firefighters Association donated two iPad minis along with several baskets of learning games and activities for children in the Autism Intervention Program at Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca.
The donations came from an Autism Awareness Hockey Game and Family Skate held in March, that raised over $700, according to a new release from the group.
The Firefighters delivered the gifts to the Autism Program in one of their fire trucks, which provided the children an opportunity to experience the machine up-close.
Having the fire truck available in a private and quiet setting, provided an exciting first for many of the children in the program as well as an informative social learning opportunity regarding this important community partner.
The North Bay Professional Firefighters’ Autism Awareness Hockey Game and Family Skate on March 30th, brought the community together with teams including: The North Stars, North Bay Police Service, North Bay Professional Firefighters, Canadore College and Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca.
Dr. Karen Grattan-Miscio, Clinical Director of the Autism Intervention Program, declared the day a great success indicating that the event “provided the community a forum that focused on abilities and family fun to help bring awareness to autism spectrum disorder and the many services available within our community that support families and individuals impacted by ASD.”
Dr. Grattan-Miscio also thanked the North Bay Professional Firefighters who “dedicated their personal time and resources, and are committed to helping local children and organizations raise awareness within the community of North Bay.”
Firefighter Jim Daly, co-organizer of the event, said that “the event was a great success. On behalf of the North Bay Professional Firefighters, I thank all the volunteers who participated and donated their time to the event. We look forward to helping again next year.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autism Spectrum Disorder can be further associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances.
