Caledon Area Families for Inclusion to hold summer barbeque event

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon residents are invited to a day of family fun this summer.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 14, Caledon Area Families for Inclusion (CAFFI) is hosting a barbeque party at Albion Hills Conservation Park.

The event will be held rain or shine in the Old Lakeview area of the park, and attendees will be able to enjoy games, food, music, swimming, and meeting new friends.

To register for the event and pre-pay for food, those interested can visit CAFFI's new website, cafficonnect.ca. CAFFI is also on Facebook and Instagram.

CAFFI is a group that advocates for children and adults with disabilities in Caledon.

CAFFI coordinator Tina Liscio explained last year CAFFI applied for and received a grant from Community Living Ontario. It's been using the grant to hold various workshops on topics like housing and finance, and is using the last of the grant funding for the upcoming barbeque.

“It's open to all… anybody that wants to be included,” said Liscio. “We've rented a gazebo and some picnic benches, we're going to have a barbeque and some games and have a nice day, people can chat and enjoy themselves.”

So far, 35 people have registered for the event and CAFFI expects more will be registering soon. 

“It's a good number and hopefully it grows…we want to spread the word,” said Liscio. “If CAFFI can grow, ultimately our loved ones can have a better network, better services and a stronger voice behind them.”

Liscio noted since the event is being held in Albion Hills Conservation Park, there's so much for families to do. 

“It's so beautiful, there's the swimming pool, there's trails,” she said. “We're looking forward to it.”

CAFFI coordinator Mike Brunetto said the barbeque is a great chance for families who may not be attending events in the community to come out and have a good time while meeting new people.

“This is an opportunity for people to feel welcomed,” said Brunetto. “There's a lot of restrictions on programs in general… some are age-specific and some you have to have certain abilities to participate… but when you come out to the park there are no restrictions, you just come out and enjoy.”

Brunetto said CAFFI is looking forward to welcoming everyone to the barbeque.

“Barbeques are meant to bring people together,” he said. “We're trying to reach out to people.”