Inclusion breakfast brings in big bucks

ness in our community so people with developmental disabilities don’t go unnoticed,” she said.

“We’re all humans, we’re all the same, and we all deserve opportunities to contribute. We belong as citizens in our community and it’s really crucial there’s an awareness of that.”

Cyberbully victim relates to teens

has seen the opportunities provided to him through the non-profit.

“He’s 19 now and just finished his first year at Lakeland College, being supported, and he’s working at Truck Zone in our community. As a parent, I’ve seen him have opportunities that we all have.” different things in her life,” said College Park principal, Josie Gordon.

Words can cut like a knife for the younger generation virtually connected to social media and online devices 24/7.

“We all belong, and that’s what this is all about, it’s about belonging, equal opportunities and ensuring people understand we should all be included in typical life experiences.”

That was the message from Cathy Laycock, president of Inclusion Lloydminster, during the organization’s 12th fundraising breakfast, held at the Lloyd Ex last Thursday morning.

This year’s breakfast brought in a total of $141,000 as well as six new dream makers, something the organization is quite proud of.

“When you see a room like this, filled with almost 400 people, it’s great to see the community support,” said Laycock, noting the breakfast has raised almost $1M over 12 years.

Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear more about who Inclusion Lloydminster is and the services they provide.

“The breakfast is about creating aware -

Attendees also had the privilege of hearing numerous success stories from guest speakers who have received support from the organization over the years.

“Hearing those success stories gives me goosebumps,” she said.

“It rejuvenates their hope and their belief that the community does come together and is there to support everyone.

“I’m a parent of a child with developmental disabilities, so this whole event really hits home for me.”

Laycock explained she’s been connected with Inclusion since her son was very little and

Inclusion Canada president and Lloydminster resident, Robin Acton, was also in attendance and couldn’t have been happier with the turnout.

“Lloydminster is an amazing community. They seem to always show up for Inclusion Lloydminster and Inclusion Alberta, and as president of Inclusion Canada, this is where it all starts,” she said.

“We’re a grassroots movement and Lloydminster really demonstrates it’s possible.”

To learn more about Inclusion Lloydminster and how you can help, please visit www.inclusionlloydminster.com

Cyberbullying and body shaming put Madison Cameron into a mental state of selfharm when she was a teen growing up in Lethbridge.

“I had many conflicts as a kid, especially with body image in regards to cyberbullying and kids calling me fat and worthless,” said Cameron during a presentation at College Park School last Thursday.

The 26-year-old youth specialist at the Centre for TraumaInformed Practices was invited to share her social media experiences with middle school students in the Lloydminster Public School Division.

“One of the things that really drew us to Madison was her realness. She is a successful young woman who has experienced lots of

“She acknowledges that social media use for students these days is simply a part of their life. It’s not really an option for us to tell kids ‘don’t use a phone or don’t go on social media.’”

Gordon says Cameron is “a great bridging connection” for students to know how to use it safely.

Cameron’s presentation is called Staying True to Yourself Through Social Media.

“These kids, whether they are using iPhones or apps, it’s always been a part of their world, so oftentimes, they don’t realize how much the devices can impact us on how we feel and what we value,” she said.

Cameron thinks kids are in over their heads trying to emulate what they are seeing on a screen without understanding, nothing on a screen is always as it seems to be.

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