What started out as an awareness campaign for autism has transformed into a massive fundraiser that will lead to the construction of North Bay's first-ever special needs playground at One Kid's Place in North Bay.
"We started out with trying to raise money for the weighted blankets and just per usual, people just showed up," said organizer Mark Lyons about the support.
One Kids Place, in partnership with the Lyons family has raised more than $42,000 to purchase new pressure vests, weighted blankets, and sensory-friendly, accessible outdoor equipment.
See related: Lyons family comes up big again for One Kids Place
In the spring of 2020, Mark Lyons and his family ran a sock campaign during the pandemic, where he helped raise $4,500 which went toward a piece of equipment called a "Sound to Sight Showtime Panel" which was installed in the facilities' Snozelen room.
When Lyons and One Kids Place officials realized the fundraising was going to well surpass the cost of the blankets, they came up with the idea of creating the unique special needs playground.
"As it got going, I sat down with Katharine Strang and she said we have what we need and she suggested a playground for the kids," said Lyons.
"It was something outside and it would give them peace of mind as a special place for special needs kids at One Kids Place. The backyard is beautiful there so to have that place, a place just for special needs kids."
The playground in the backyard at One Kids Place will include a quiet grove, autism panels that will light up and speak, along with a "SpinAtorium" and other unique playground equipment.
Lyons, whose son Jack is his inspiration for the autism fundraising campaign.
Jack receives treatment for autism and has suffered from seizures. The friendly, gentle, and quiet teen has been a driver for this financial support.
Lyons says there are many amazing donation stories from $1000 raised at West Ferris Secondary, to some amazing personal donations.
Lyons recalls connecting with businessman Ted Thomson at a Battalion game and he was told to reach out to him for support.
When Lyons made that call, Thomson asked why it took so long and proceeded to donate $10,000 towards the cause.
"I told him what I was doing and he told me I was genuine and because of Jack too, I am going to give you $10,000," he candidly said.
"It was the wings from that after only $4500 last year in total that propelled us to the next level where we could bring more."
Lyons says now they are waiting until the spring when the ground thaws to begin the installation of the new equipment.
One Kids Place plans to host a grand event for all the donors and clients when the playground is complete.
Lyons cannot wait.
"What started at One Kids Place changes the world," said Lyons.
"This project has moved so many people and what I see in that park is parents that not everyone is looking at them and feel this will be a place where the kids have a place especially for them and they deserve it."
