MEDICINE HAT, AB – Volunteers in Medicine Hat are working hard to create a magical evening for teens with special needs.
It’s a prom like gala where every guest is a VIP.
The event is called Night To Shine, and it happens this Friday.
“It’s just honouring kids who often get told no,” said Kate Albers, an elementary teacher from Southview Community School.
“This is a night we can say yes to the limo riding, yes to dancing, and yes to doing whatever you want, and whatever makes you happy, so this is what makes it so special,” she said.
Over 100 people in the community have helped volunteer so far, and over 40 youth have registered.
The prom takes place at the Link Fellowship Christian Church.
In addition, Grade 4 to 5 students from Southview Community School have helped decorate over 200 name tags for the attendees.
Albers says their volunteer work is to give back to the community and give students a sense of accomplishment.
“Thought what a great opportunity for the grade 4 to 5s to learn a little bit more about what it means to be a volunteer and how to help out, even if it’s just in a little way, and just to have that opportunity and to make them colourful,” said Albers.
One student, who helped with the decorating, thinks highly of the experience.
“There’s a lot of cool stuff for them to do, and it’s really nice that I can, like, help them in some way, like have some decorations or cards to make them feel good to remember, so they can take it home,” said Napoleon, an elementary student.
Anyone in the special needs community who is 14 and up is welcome to register to this free event up until Friday night here.
Attendees can bring a buddy to the event, whether a parent or a caregiver.
