Community Living Month is being marked across B.C. including in Parksville where there will be a special indoor “block party” Oct. 19.
The road work on McMillan is putting a bit of a damper on the celebration, which usually spreads between the Parksville and District Association for Community Living’s two buildings on either side of the street.
This year it will be more of an indoor celebration in their main office building at 118 McMillian, explained program manager Bobbie Lucas.
It will include a wide array of fun from live music, a 50/50 draw, book sale, hot dogs and corn on the cob, games including a balloon draw where everyone wins, and various prizes including some big ticket items like Quality Foods gift card, a golf bag and Tigh-Na-Mara spa package.
Parksville’s acting mayor Chris Burger proclaimed October Community Living month in the city to “recognize the hard work of individuals, families and community members to create inclusive communities and opportunities for all residents with developmental disabilities.”
The month, like the local association, celebrates the achievements of people with developmental disabilities, including independent living, workplace accomplishments and community and social participation.
The month is acknowledged annually to raise public and community awareness about the skills and abilities adults with developmental disabilities and their families can bring to community and the work and support municipalities provide to help build more inclusive communities.
The provincial government announced funding for community living initiatives, which Lucas said was great news, but she didn’t have any details yet on if or what they might recieve in Oceanside. She encourages everyone to come out to the festive day next Wed., Oct. 19.
For more on the provincial initiative visit www.bcacl.org/community-living-month, for the local association check www.pdacl.ca.