A year ago, Katie and Landon Emde of Midale were the top fundraisers in the country through the Inside Out for Autism campaign, which raised funds for Autism Canada.
Since that time, they have been working hard to speak on behalf of children with autism. And they have advocated for families of children with autism.
The Emdes understand the challenges facing families with an autistic child. Their son, Avery, has autism.
They’ll be supporting Inside Out for Autism again this year, but they’re taking a different approach to fundraising.
In an interview with the Mercury, Katie Emde said they are going to run a huge colouring contest through the schools in both the South East Cornerstone Public School Division and the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division. They will be going to all of the elementary schools in Estevan, as well as those in Lampman, Weyburn, Yellow Grass and others.
The Emdes will supply the illustration for children to colour, but children will be able to colour it in however they want. The drawing will be including in a package.
“In those packages, we will have information, not only about what my husband and I do, but also about Inside Out for Autism, some information pertaining to autism, and bringing awareness into the schools and into the school system,” said Emde.
The contest will run from April 23 to 27, and will be for students in Kindergarten to Grade 4. Each classroom can select a winner to receive a prize.
The students who participate in the contest will be encouraged to bring 25 cents for autism.
Last year the Emdes ran a colouring contest at Midale Central School, and it was very well received.
She believes children kids are more accepting of students with autism, and are more willing to ask questions.
“That is the start of some really positive momentum going forward, when kids are asking questions about other kids who are affected by ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and wanting to include those kids in recess and everything else,” said Emde.
Emde said the inspiration for the colouring contest came from her daughter, who loves to draw. The family thought it would be a good way to teach kids about autism, since kids often have a hard time fully understanding the condition.
“That’s our biggest goal is to raise awareness and to get these kids accepted in schools, and everything like that,” said Emde.
The Emdes raised more than $4,400 last year for Inside Out for Autism, through a supper, a silent auction and a lot of donations from companies and individuals.
“This year we wanted to change the focus and start at the younger years, and start with the kids, and really raise awareness with autism and get kids in schools involved with it. So I think it’s a good start,” she said.
Inside Out for Autism was a one-month campaign last year that ran in April. This year it will be from April to October. The extended timeline gives the Emdes a chance to have other fundraisers, including an Internet auction that will be happening at a later date.
“We will be getting auction items from all over the place,” said Emde.
They’re also looking to have other fundraisers.
Inside Out for Autism is named because many children with autism like to wear their clothes inside-out.
Emde said the family’s efforts to raise funds for autism-related causes, and to advocate for families touched by ASD will likely continue for the rest of their lives, because they have seen how it can help others.
“It started out with me advocating for our son, to really now pushing the limit. Now this has turned almost into what we have dedicated our lives to, changing the world and helping families that really need this help in the province,” said Emde.
