SOUTH GLENGARRY, Ontario – During the month of April, Rachel’s Kids House of Hope held their #LetYourBlueShineThrough campaign, which aimed to raise money by selling blue T-shirts and other merchandise.
The campaign was spearheaded by Kalem Payment, a 13-year-old local boy with Autism.
“I am so proud of how much this campaign allowed Kalem to grow and become so passionate when speaking about his Autism,” said Kim Lauzon, Rachel’s Kids Executive Director. “His ability to share his story in front of schools, adults, large groups and media about his Autism in both French and English is certainly something to shine about! We could not have chosen a more suitable campaign chair and we love that he continues to advocate for Autism, in all that he does.”
The campaign raised over $6,000 and Rachel’s Kids decided to use the money raised by that campaign to give back to the community.
Rachel’s Kids used the money to purchase Autism kits, or ASD Emergency Vehicle Calming Kits for first responders in SD&G.
The kits contain tools that emergency first responders can use to calm and comfort children with special needs who are in distress.
The kit includes Noise Cancelling Headphones, Time Timer, Weighted Lap Pad, PEC Cards with universal images, Fidgets and Tactile Objects, a Massage Roller, Bubbles, a Pinwheel and of course, TED the Rachel’s Kids Bear.
Over 30 kits were purchased thanks to the #LetYourBlueShineThrough campaign. South Glengarry Deputy Mayor praised the generosity of Rachel’s Kids.
“I think this is a great initiative and another tool in the chest for our first responders,” he said. “It is another way for them to deal with a situation and bring calmness.”
