There were over 50 inflatables registered by participants in the Float with Us for Autism event held on Aug. 22. It must have been a lot of fun floating on such a warm, sunny late summer day and providing support for those on the Autism Spectrum. Thompson Goddard Photo

IROQUOIS – People enjoyed the warm weather on Aug. 25, appreciating the opportunity to cool off on their favourite inflatable in the historic Galop Canal during the Float with Us for Autism event.

The event featured an afternoon filled with live music, the opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat, shop, socialize, float on an inflatable, bid on silent auction items, speak with representatives from community organizations or maybe all of the above!

Organizer Candice Latulippe explained the event was designed to educate the public on autism and to provide information on available programs for people on the Autism Spectrum.

“We need to include not exclude” noted Latulippe, who continued it became apparent that playgrounds in South Dundas “do not have sensory equipment for children with autism.” It was decided that the money raised “will be used to purchase sensory equipment for the four South Dundas playgrounds” such as the communication board which can now be purchased and installed in Haldane Park in Iroquois.

“A great event hosted here in our community featuring autism awareness and fundraising for sensory equipment in the South Dundas Municipal playgrounds. Thank you to all the volunteers, vendors and participates that traveled from across Eastern Ontario to Float for Autism.” said SD Mayor Jason Broad in an email to The Record following the event.

She extended a special thank you to the committee organizers Martina Gibson and Kyler Lagate, before continuing to thank the many volunteers and vendors for their support and the people who showed their support by attending the event.

A sincere thank you was given to members of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club, Avery Adair and Sierra Latulippe who provided lifeguard services, Municipality of South Dundas staff, the Grenville Fish and Game Club, River Rat Treasures, Iroquois and District Business Group, Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd., Comfort Inn Brockville, Foodland Iroquois, and “The Little Dreamer and their crew Lyn and Angel Holmes as well as  Community Living Dundas county, “Stunt Man Dan,  Bruce Mullin, and Bill Ewing.

The 50/50 draw was won by J Swamp with Kyler Lagate being the winner of the Guess the number of Sharks.

Describing the Float with Us for Autism event as an “absolutely overwhelming experience”, Latulippe commented how “Once again, our community comes through in working together for such an important cause.”, mentioning how proud she is of the local community and noting how “We are community strong!”