The McDonaldB次元官网网址檚 restaurant on Island Highway opened its doors for a very special Christmas party for a group of children who, too often, are excluded from the usual round of seasonal fun.
Last Sunday, Jamie and Ken Taylor, the operators of several McDonaldB次元官网网址檚 restaurants in Greater Victoria, opened their doors and hearts to host a holiday party for local children on the autism spectrum at their Colwood location.
The kids in attendance ranged in age from three to 12 years of age, and were all clients of the Langford Functional Learning Centre.
The party was something that Jamie said he was thrilled to help organize, even though it took a bit of extra care. B次元官网网址淜ids on the spectrum often have trouble with loud noises, or too much stimulation,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淪o we made sure this event was set up with quiet and loud rooms so everyone has a space they can feel safe.B次元官网网址�
Some of the children who were in attendance are able to speak, while others can only communicate through gestures. Others are incapable of communicating at all. B次元官网网址淕etting the kids together socially outside of a therapy or educational situation is so valuable,B次元官网网址� said Neveen Zaki, owner of Functional Learning Centre. B次元官网网址淭his kind of event helps the kids learn to play together, and give the parents time to share notes, and feel connected to other people facing the same challenges.B次元官网网址�
The high point of the party, of course, was a visit from Santa, with the help of SantaB次元官网网址檚 helper, Bob Saunders.
B次元官网网址淚 love any chance to contribute to the community, but especially something fun like helping St. Nick for special kids like these,B次元官网网址� Saunders said.
B次元官网网址淭hese kids have so many challenges, IB次元官网网址檓 glad we could give them a fun afternoon.B次元官网网址�
The party was a hub of activity for the 22 children in attendance, who all received gifts from Santa, and free food and beverages courtesy of McDonaldB次元官网网址檚.
One of the children summed up the event in an exuberant exclamation that only a four year old could deliver. Abigail Rose, pulled on her boots when it was time to go and beaming, picked up the toy sheB次元官网网址檇 been given by Santa.
B次元官网网址淚t was super awesome. I loved it so much B次元官网网址� especially when Santa came,B次元官网网址� she exclaimed.
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