The neighborhood around Centre Culturel Les Compagnons was sent into hunger pangs as the Dudley Avenue building hosted the 3rd Annual P.L.A.Y.S. breakfast.
The delicious breakfast (or lunch) included scrambled eggs, pancakes and sausages with real local maple syrup donated by Long Farms of Laurier in Trout Creek. North Ontario Food Sales helped to support the event as well.
A magician and face painting artist were on hand to entertain the children.
President of the non-government organization, Kimberly Kelly-Cyr, explains P.L.A.Y.S. or Parents Lending Autistic Youth Support Association provides opportunities for activities and programs for youth with autism and their families. Currently, over 200 families are supported locally, including Sturgeon Falls and Mattawa, by P.L.A.Y.S.
“Most of the parents and caregivers of the children we assist do volunteer work. They are always out here supporting our events whether it’s the P.L.A.Y.S. Pancake Breakfast, or the Spagetti Dinner or the Glow In The Dark Gold Tournament.” Parents are also involved in the weekly Building Block group.
The P.L.A.Y.S. board of directors has established an office in One Kids Place. Kelly-Cyr says 95% of the raised money will go towards activities with the remaining 5% spent on administration. She cautions that P.L.A.Y.S. is not associated with the big summer camp grant recently announced.
Kelly-Cyr founded P.L.A.Y.S. along with Shannon Berger after seeing a gap in support services for parents of autistic children. Now children can enjoy dance, yoga, a craft club, and a cooking club. Seasonal and holiday parties are put on to encourage social fun. P.L.A.Y.S. organizes a monthly parent support group too.
Kelly-Cyr and Berger have sons who are non-verbal. The boys communicate to their mothers by a computer tablet.
To help others understand about autism, Kelly-Cyr quotes North Bay Mayor Al McDonald. “If you have met only one person with autism, you’ve only met one person with autism.”
Kelly-Cyr explains that each child is unique. “Some children are non-verbal, others are verbal and can be loving and affectionate, others are savants.” “My seven yr old loves hugs and kisses. He is non-verbal so there are behaviour issues.”
The next big fundraiser coming up is called the Light Up the Sky for Autism Hopes and Dreams to be held in the fall.
If you wish to make a contribution to P.L.A.Y.S. fundraising drive, please email [email protected]
