Mark Lyons admits not being able to light up City Hall last year really bothered him.
But Lyons used that frustration as motivation to work harder in a different way to support his cause by raising more than $4500 through his sock campaign for autism awareness. Despite last spring's lockdown Lyons was able to inspire the community to support the worthy cause.
"The plan this year is to light City Hall in Blue," said Lyons about April 2, which is World Autism Day.
"I cannot have a crowd, it is just drive-by, virtual but I do believe there is a place in our times right now that we have to advocate for our kids with autism and our kids with special needs; from A.D.D. to autism to down syndrome, just special needs awareness is there."
Lyons admits, his passion for the cause that is now in its sixth year locally comes from his son Jack, who just recently celebrated his 16th birthday.
Mark Lyons loves his son, who he says is always smiling even when life hits him hard.
"I just look at what he has done and the face he has put on this for the community," said Lyons.
"People have really reached out to me over a long period of time. They have embraced this in the community.
"Six years ago there were no Blue Days at school but now there are buildings lit and signs along with the spread of advocacy for our kids. Kids in our community now know what special needs are, they are googling it to help understand it and we hope the bullying ends there."
See related: Lyons family comes up big again for One Kids Place
See related: Father encourages residents to wear blue for world autism day
See related: North Bay rallies to Light it up Blue
According to the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System, 2018 study, one in 66 Canadian children and youth (ages 5-17) are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it one of the most common developmental disabilities. According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, approximately 1 - 2 per cent of the Canadian population is affected by ASD, which means there are approximately 135,000 Ontarians on the autism spectrum.
Lyons says all the money that has been raised stays in the area. Last year, the funds helped pay for autism equipment for the Snozelen room located at One Kids Place in North Bay. He says they have been amazing partners in the process.
"It is a great group and a great bunch of people that care, so that is why when I am doing things I go back to One Kids Place and buy equipment for the kids and get stuff in their hands so those long days are shorter for the families, and there is something that gives them some sort of a break," explained Lyons.
This year, Lyons is hoping the funds raised can help purchase weighted blankets.
"Autistic kids do not sleep at night so weighted blankets has been part of my project this year," said Lyons.
Anyone interested in purchasing the socks can call Mark at (705) 471-5852 or email [email protected].
