The local YMCA is welcoming young, costumed visitors to its inclusive Halloween party this Monday, hosted in conjunction with the Children's Treatment Network.
According to a joint news release from the Collingwood and Wasaga Beach YMCAs, both of which are hosting inclusive parties, the events are designed for children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs to provide options for trick-or-treating in safe, sensory-friendly, and accessible environments.
The parties in Collingwood and in Wasaga Beach will include indoor, barrier-free trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, wheelchair basketball, story time, active play and more.
In Collingwood, the party takes place on Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is dedicated to a long-time and beloved Collingwood YMCA member and volunteer, Harold Zukerman, who died in September 2022. The party is officially named the Harold Zukerman Inclusive Halloween Party.
The Wasaga Beach YMCA’s inclusive Halloween party is being hosted on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Both events are free and open to the public, thanks to a donation from Gerard Buckley and Mary MacDonald of Buckley Mortgage Broker – Mortgage Wellness.
“We are extremely grateful to partner with the Children’s Treatment Network to offer an inclusive option for children and youth who are neurodivergent or have physical movement challenges to celebrate Halloween in a safe, welcoming space,” said Nilusha Premasinghe, regional general manager of the
Collingwood, Midland, and Wasaga Beach YMCAs in a news release. “Inclusiveness is a core value of the YMCA – we embrace diversity and strive to create places, programs, and experiences where everyone belongs.”
Children and youth attending the inclusive Halloween parties are welcome to wear a costume, if desired, and are required to bring their own bag to collect their treats.
Participants can register in advance for the Harold Zukerman Inclusive Halloween Party at the Collingwood YMCA on the Children’s Treatment Network’s website.
The Wasaga Beach YMCA’s Inclusive Halloween Party is drop-in, with parents or guardians asked to bring photo ID for registration upon arrival.
For more information about inclusive children’s events across Simcoe County, visit the Children’s Treatment Network’s website at www.ctnsy.ca. To learn more about YMCA programs and services, and how you can help support the local charity, visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.
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