Brunch in white to benefit Family Respite

Service helps out caregivers

Caring for a child with a disability can be a round-the-clock responsibility. Parents of a child with disabilities often need a few moments during a day to themselves.

“Sometimes parents just need a break,” said Alexandria Fischer, fundraising/recruitment co-ordinator with Family Respite Services. “These parents are with their children and helping them seven days a week, 24 hours a day and sometimes they need a few minutes for themselves.”

Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex offers programs to over 900 families with disabilities. Respite care is a family support service that provides temporary relief from the physical and emotional demands involved in caring for a family member with a developmental and/or physical disability. Respite creates greater opportunities for all family members to live actively and participate in community activities while allowing caregivers time for themselves.

However, Family Respite relies heavily on funding and donations to be able to continue to offer its services. On Sunday, Family Respite along with Dry Palour will be hosting a White Party/Brunch en Blanc at Spago’s Restaurant. There will be a Sunday brunch with some of Spago’s finest selections and the sounds of DJ Qrius George. And, don’t forget to come dressed in white. All money raised will be used for Family Respite programs.

“This funding is so invaluable for families. As one mom says, this break ensures that she can continue to care for her child in the family home,” said Fischer. “Respite gives her sanity, so that she can continue to sustain the level of love and care that her children need. Mainstream programs do not meet the needs of children with disabilities.”

Family Respite Services relies on community partners so that it can offer respite programs as a summer day camp, the Friday night teen program, Saturday recreation programs and one to one support.

“Without these programs children with disabilities may be isolated, not have the opportunity to make friends and learn and develop new skills,” Fischer said. “One teen boy that attends the Friday night program said he has a friend now, where they hang out outside of the Family Respite Services program. When these moments happen, we know that we need to continue to raise funds for additional respite programs because that is what it’s all about … having a meaningful life.”

Tickets are available at windsor.snapd.com/#/events/ view/975104.