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Teal Pumpkins pop up in Greater Victoria

Oak Bay mom leads charge in offering non-food treats this Halloween
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The Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. (Christine van Reeuwyk/Oak Bay B次元官网网址)

At six-and-a-half months old, Sullivan Johnston isnB次元官网网址檛 quite ready to trick-or-treat. But by the time the Oak Bay boy heads out next year, mom Sarah Johnston hopes they can plan a route, safe for him to gather treats.

She and dad Tim Johnston are big fans of Halloween, so it was an early consideration when their baby boy was diagnosed with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) at just over four months old. FPIES is a food allergy affecting the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms such as profound vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

B次元官网网址淚 went into research mode because IB次元官网网址檓 a nurse,B次元官网网址 Sarah said. She quickly found the Teal Pumpkin Project, which started in the U.S. three years ago and has grown globally since. B次元官网网址淚t truly resonated with me. It was really easy to get behind.B次元官网网址

A teal pumpkin on the porch indicates a household offering alternatives for kids with food allergies B次元官网网址 non-food treats such as glow sticks or small toys.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 also for other children where candyB次元官网网址檚 not an option,B次元官网网址 she said.

With a pair of partnerships with Galey Farms and Save on Foods, she hopes to spread that awareness.

She promotes the project at Galey Farms Oct. 14 and 15, and Oct. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SheB次元官网网址檒l be at the Fort and Foul Bay Save on Foods on Oct. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. And as long as supplies last, she can get those interested, into the project. Available by-donation, Sarah crafted ready-made bags with glow sticks, tattoos, toys and other non-food items.

B次元官网网址淵ou can walk away with a starter kit,B次元官网网址 she said. B次元官网网址淎ll you have to do is go home and print out a sign and youB次元官网网址檙e participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project.B次元官网网址

Online resources are also key, Sarah says. Learn more at the page (facebook.com/tealpumkinprojectvictoriabc/) or visit the Food Allergy Research & Education site at foodallergy.org where she found a litany of free resources.

Funds raised during the promotion events will go to .



Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

Longtime journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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