There was a place for everyone at Memorial Park Saturday afternoon.
More than 200 people donned their teal shirts and turned out for the Karis Disability Services Belongathon for all ages and abilities. Participants enjoyed a live DJ, refreshments from a gourmet coffee cart, a scavenger hunt and and other activities such as chalk art, face painting and games.
While it was Karis's second year running the event it was the first time it was held in Waterdown, said Jennifer Polley, Community Development Manager with Karis Disability Services.
"Last year in our inaugural year, the event was held in Port Colborne and in Mississauga. This year, the event committees decided to join fundraising and organizing efforts and find a location right in the middle," she said. "Waterdown Memorial Park is a beautiful location which helped bring people from all parts of the province together yesterday."
Karis Disability Services is a Canada-wide organization that supports people with developmental disabilities all over Ontario and in Saskatchewan. The Belongathon was held in 16 locations across Canada to raise funds for Karis's services and community efforts. Participants came from Niagara, Hamilton, Oakville, Halton Hills, Mississauga and Brampton for the fun.
The Waterdown event raised $6,400, with the grand total across all regions was over $73,000.
According to the Belongathon web page, money raised through the Belongathon supports Karis's family camps, and community events in Canada, as well as inclusive education projects in Guatemala.
"Waterdown Memorial Park was the perfect location to bring people together to celebrate gifts of others and the true definition of belonging," said Polley. "Karis would like to thank the town of Waterdown for welcoming us into your community."
Polley added that Karis Disability Services hopes to continue to hold the event in Waterdown in the years to come.
"We can only hope that next time the full Waterdown community joins in on the fun, music and in the celebration of Belonging!"
