The Knights of Meaford Autism game on Thursday, January 23, was a win on two fronts when the Knghts defeated the Bradford Bulls 3-1 and raised upwards of $4,000 for special needs adults struggling with autism.
Proceeds of the Knights of Meaford autism fundraiser will go to Events for Life and Community Living Meaford, two local programs that offer support programs for special needs adults.
Team officials and supporters and community volunteers sold baked goods, collected donations, and auctioned off specially designed Autism Awareness game jerseys. Leeky Canoe sponsored a shoot-out and Dairy Queen Meaford donated $50, $30, and $20 gift certificates for the first-, second-, and third-place winners of the chuck-a-puck contest. Other sponsors donated cash and prizes – Chef at Home Catering (Gilles Hache), Stone Project Management, Bruce Street Technology, Grey Noise Entertainment, Rotary Club of Meaford, BrokerLink, and the Chollet family.
The event was a success for all, according to Autism Awareness Ambassador Mary Solomon. Events for Life participants took part in the opening ceremony, the chuck-a puck. and the shoot-out. Parents and support staff working with adults with autism met and exchanged information.
“A real plus was that we got to know about some organizations that support autism that we didn’t know about, organizations like South Georgian Bay Parents of Children with Autism and Families for Autism,” she said. “Also, a number of people mentioned they were pleased that the proceeds were staying local.”
Photo:
Sponsors, Events for Life staff and participants, Autism Ontario representative, Knights of Meaford team officials, and team captains for the Bradford Bulls and Knights gathered at centre ice for a puck drop during the Knights of Meaford Autism Awareness fundraiser on January 23. The event raised upwards of $4,000 for two local programs for adults with autism, Events for Life and Community Living Meaford.
