Community Living Huntsville is gearing up to support housing for people with developmental disabilities with their annual Festive Brunch.
The brunch takes place this Sunday (Dec. 1) at the Active Living Centre, and Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist at Community Living Huntsville, says funds raised will support the organization’s affordable housing initiatives.
“Housing is such a huge issue all over Canada, really. But more so with for people with developmental disabilities,” says Jerrett, adding people with developmental disabilities face a wait time that is “ten times longer than average.”
Jerrett says the average wait time without developmental disabilities ranges from four to ten years.
“Somebody with a developmental disability is waiting a minimum of 40 years for affordable housing,” says Jerrett. “You can’t live a full life if you don’t have a roof over your head.”
She says Madison Tevlin, a Canadian content creator, actor, and accessibility and inclusion advocate, will be one of the keynote speakers at the event.
“Madison was also the first person with Down’s syndrome to be nominated for a Canadian Screen award for the best talk show host,” says Jerrett.
According to Jerrett, out of all the things Tevlin has achieved in life, having Down syndrome is the “least interesting thing about her.”
Tevlin says she wants people to feel seen and heard through the event and believe in themselves as advocates.
“I talk a lot about my own journey of overcoming adversity but also about how we can advocate for others. I want people to know how important it is,” says Tevlin. “I always want to make people feel like they can do anything. I like to inspire confidence and remind people that every little bit makes a difference.”
Jerrett says guests will also be treated to a gourmet buffet brunch donated by Tall Trees co-owners and chefs Ashley and Randy Vowels. There will also be a silent auction featuring big-ticket items and experiences.
“Last year’s brunch buffet was outstanding, and yet Randy and Ashely are keen to outdo themselves with another gourmet menu featuring some new additions. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and generosity,” adds Jerrett.
