Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.
On May 16, community members gathered at Civic Square in front of the Algonquin Theatre to celebrate and promote inclusion with the raising of the Community Living Huntsville (CLH) flag. The event was part of Community Living Month celebrations across the province.
The local organization supports and advocates for about 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in north Muskoka, including assistance with finding employment or living independently, supports for families, and promoting participation in community through volunteering and other pursuits.
Suzanne Willett, interim executive director for Community Living Huntsville, thanked those attending for their support of the organization. “We are raising awareness and demonstrating what’s possible for people who have a developmental disability and their families while bringing everyone together. Fostering awareness around the importance of inclusion in the community for people who have a developmental disability is very important.”
She invited the community to attend the Band on the Run fundraising car wash, hosted by the Huntsville Lake of Bays Fire Department, on May 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Bullock’s Your Independent Grocer. Community Living Huntsville is the designated charity for all fundraising at the popular road race, which will be held June 8.
In the spirit of the race, four people—Councillors Nancy Alcock and Dione Schumacher, CLH board president Debi Davis, and Willett—have signed on to dye their hair in the Community Living colours of blue and green for Band on the Run, if Team Inclusion in Motion, the CLH, all-abilities run/walk/wheel team, raises at least $2,000. Donations in support of the team can be made here.
For more information about Community Living Huntsville, visit clhuntsville.ca or consider attending or hosting an hour-long Celebrating Inclusion Tour.
Clarence Jenkins (left) and Gwen Jones enjoyed the camaraderie and the cake at the Community Living Huntsville flag raising
Grace Baxter, teacher Adrienne Rinne, William Laughton, Jack Rast, and Phoenix Varieur from Tawingo College came to the flag raising to learn more about inclusion. The students recently interviewed community members about inclusion. Watch for their stories on Doppler soon.
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