A spooky celebration is in store for local residents with disabilities.
Battlefords Residential Services Inc. (BRSI) is hosting Halloween parties for their residents Thursday evening, there first of its sort in more than a year. That will be followed by an excursion to the Prairie Oasis Petting Zoo near Wilkie on Friday, where the Zoo is hosting a ‘Haunted Barn’ tour.
Jill Schick, BRSI Program Coordinator, said they get excited about any big event, but Halloween is one of their favourites.
“It’s probably second on the list after Christmas, when family members are very involved,” she said.
Like many people in the Battlefords, these two days come at a critical time for residents with disabilities. Schick said it’s even more important hold these functions now, given how their quality of life has declined during the pandemic.
“They’ve been unable to go to community functions that are indoors,” she said. “So, we’re super pumped about having a party.”
Halloween festivities were cancelled by BRSI in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just being able to attend workplaces was a somewhat recent development for BRSI clients, where staff have taken firm protective measures due to COVID-19. Schick said just getting to have interactions with other people now is key.
“Everyone’s excited to be back at work,” she said. “It’s been difficult for everyone this year.”
There are still some limitations for these events on Thursday and Friday compared to previous years.
“Usually we’d have all the houses together for a big party,” Schick said. “This year we’re just having the day program together and the other clients are having a separate party in their home.”
Staff and residents are most excited dressing up, which Schick said something that every client revels in.
“And there’s all the goodies that go with it too.”
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