In recognition of May being Community Living Month across the province, a flag raising ceremony was held at North Bay City Hall Wednesday morning.
The focus of the month is inclusivity.
“We look at activities that we can do that shine a light on what we represent. So, activities that everyone can participate in, and shows the value of people with an intellectual disability,” explained Sherry Carnevale executive director at Community Living North Bay.
Many of the people attending the flag raising ceremony and reading of the proclamation by city councillor Mark King, included staff members, family members and people with intellectual disabilities.
A number of activities are planned throughout the month for members of the public to attend and see what the clients have to offer.
“We have people who are employed in the community, we have people who volunteer. The cancer society when it did its daffodil campaign in April had some people who we support volunteering there. So, they are becoming involved in their community and giving back to their community,” said Carnevale,
“Every Thursday during the month of May we’re doing random acts of kindness. Next Thursday we’re going to be participating in the clean, green beautiful campaign that is starting in North Bay, so we’ll be cleaning up the streets around our homes and office buildings just to give back to our community because we get so much from our community.”
Community Living North Bay provides a variety of services to 700 people from birth to some of the oldest clients who are nearing 70 years of age, based on their needs.
“Our mission and vision are all about including everybody and valuing everyone, treating everyone with respect. So, we as an organization have been working on what we call our new purpose statement saying, just imagine, anything is possible.”
On Saturday, May 11, Sandy Foster is hosting a “Fun Run Walk n’ Roll” fundraising event at the CFB Outdoor Track on Hornell Heights.
“We’re trying to have people from the community join the people Community Living serves, and they can either walk around the track, run around the track or be pushed around the track,” explained Foster.
“The medals are all done. They’re beautifully made chocolate loonies with ribbons.”
Foster would like to see more people register.
“It has been a challenge to get people to come out. They’re wonderful people and they’ve got lots of talents, and they want to be out in the community doing things. This is one thing that brings us together.”
The cost is $40 for a team of two. Those who registered early will receive a t-shirt.
For more details about the event which starts at 8:30 a.m. next Saturday, contact Community Living North Bay at 705-476-3288 ext 1843.
