'Adults in Motion' crafts helps to fundraise their program

'Adults in Motion' crafts fundraise their program From keychains to cards, members of ‘Adults in Motion’ have made keepsakes to help fundraise their program. Ashley Bacon explains.

Bold and bright creations to ring in the holidays. From keychains to cards, members of ‘Adults in Motion’ have made keepsakes to help fundraise their program.

‘In this box we made a mini Christmas tree ornament’, said Cassie, a member of the program.

Adults in Motion offers people with developmental disabilities a chance to learn new skills, socialize and be creative.

"These are folks who are looking for something interesting, exciting to do with their days," said executive director Shelley Murphy. "[They're] looking to learn new skills, maintain skills and a lot of social friendships and socializing."

All of the proceeds go directly back to the program.

"It can be for admissions into different events, it can be for more outings, it can go towards supplies. But our members are really driving the decision as to what their money raised goes towards," adds Murphy.

Devitt House in Waterloo has offered a space for the products to be sold.

"I saw how very hard they worked to keep it alive and to provide for their participants during COVID, which was a really difficult time and since then, the kind of work that they do and the hours they put in, I’d love to see them get supported directly," said owner Jennifer Devitt.

The program gives its participants a sense of pride when they see their completed work.

"We’ve had a number of times where members have come in and said 'I saw my item' or 'I saw my keychain that someone had,'" said Murphy. "So, there’s a lot of pride associated with what they’re making."

The gift boxes and keychains are also available through the Adults in Motion website.