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Community Living Month Kicks Off In Chatham-Kent

Several events will be held around Chatham-Kent in May to celebrate Community Living Month.

Community Living Month is celebrated across the province during the month of May to recognize the accomplishments, gifts, and talents that people with intellectual disabilities bring to their communities.

Community Living Chatham-Kent, which will be participating in the campaign, provides supports and services for local residents with intellectual disabilities.

A list of the events that will happen around Chatham-Kent for Community Living Month include:

Wear blue and green on May 1: To launch the month-long celebration, Community Living Chatham-Kent encourages everyone to wear these colours on Tuesday, May 1. The organization encourages residents to send in pictures of themselves sporting the colours to info@clc-k.ca and use the hashtag #inclusion on social media.

Shine a light on Chatham-Kent: Community Living Chatham-Kent is participating in a province-wide initiative called Shine a Light on Community Living on Friday, May 4. Members of the community can participate by changing their building’s exterior lights to blue and green.

Eat out to help out at Boston Pizza on May 10: Residents can dine at Boston Pizza on Thursday, May 10 from 5pm to 8pm to celebrate Community Living Month. A portion of all sales will be donated back to Community Living Chatham-Kent.

Flag raising and BBQ: Community Living Chatham-Kent will be hosting the Annual Flag Raising and Community BBQ on Tuesday, May 8 from 11am until 1pm. The event is sponsored by OPSEU Local-148, Schinkel’s Gourmet Meats, and Maple City Bakery. For a donation, residents can enjoy a freshly barbecued hotdog, chips, and a drink.

The Community Living Flag will be raised at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, as well as city centres in Ridgetown, Blenheim, and Tilbury throughout the month of May. The ceremony at the Civic Centre will include a speech from Mayor Randy Hope and Community Living Chatham-Kent Executive Director Ron Coristine, as well as the following award presentations:

  • The Joyce M. Carr Champion Award – This year's Joyce M. Carr Champion Award honours the Tilbury Foodland. Merrick & Denise McCall manage the store and are known as leaders in the community for providing opportunities to people who have an intellectual disability. The Tilbury Foodland has been a part of JOBWORX’s Employment Services for over 15 years.
  • The Rob McLandress Make a Dream Come True Fund - Two awards of $1,000 each are given annually to two people who have an intellectual disability to help them fulfill a dream.

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