ECHO Society holds barbecue in recognition of Disability Awareness Week

By Laura Bohnert

On Wednesday, June 3, 2015, ECHO Society held a barbeque in recognition of Disability Awareness Week in Whitecourt.

According to Natalie Jendrick, Human Resource Manager and Administrative Assistant for ECHO Society, “Disability Awareness Week is a tradition of National Access Awareness Week.”

“Continuing to celebrate an annual awareness week,” Jendrick explains, enables us “to promote community access for people with disabilities.”

“The purpose” of the barbecue, which took place this past Wednesday, “was to make ourselves visible within the community,” Jendrick explains, “and to promote awareness of the importance of providing quality supports to individuals with our community.”

This year’s barbecue proved to be a success: “There were many visitors throughout the day to show their support,” states Jendrick.

“We had hosted a barbecue two years ago for the very same thing – Disability Awareness,” explains Jendrick. “Hosting a barbecue provides us with an opportunity to be visible in the community; it allows us to promote awareness of our services for individuals with disabilities.”

All funds raised during the barbecue and other similar fundraising activities, Jendrick explains, “instead of being raised for one specific project or activity, will go towards our program needs for all individuals.”

“ECHO,” Jendrick explains, “is a charitable non-profit organization that provides lifelong learning support services to individuals with disabilities in Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Fox Creek, and area. The various areas of support that are being provided are Community Access, Employment, and Community Living through our Day, and Residential Support Services.”

If you are interested in getting involved in ECHO’s mission or in taking part in any upcoming fundraising activities, visit http://echosociety.ca/.