The Algoma Autism Foundation is spearheading a fundraiser to purchase a wheelchair accessible swing for Bellevue Park.
A wheelchair accessible swing is designed for disabled people to enjoy a playground swing without facing the challenge of transferring from their wheelchair.
“The swing will be available to anyone with mobility issues,” said Jamie Boston, Algoma Autism Foundation director in a conversation with SooToday.
“The unique piece is that the person does not need to transfer from their chair to use it. They can stay in their mobility device. They basically back into a small little bay with a security bar to keep them in place and then they’re good to go. There is no transferring from their chair to the swing.”
The plan is to place the wheelchair accessible swing between Bellevue Park’s Adventure & Sensory Playground and the splash pad.
The Algoma Autism Foundation has raised $25,000 so far, Boston said.
But much more needs to be raised.
“The swing costs $75,000. It’s very specialized,” Boston said.
The Algoma Autism Foundation started fundraising at Giovanni's Italian Festival in July 2024.
“We did a fall colours motorcycle ride and a number of businesses have supported it. This spring we're doing two fundraisers,” Boston said.
The first of those two fundraising efforts involves COBS Bread.
The bakery, located in Churchill Plaza, has been raising funds for the swing and reached $5,600 as of March 27.
COBS Bread will be holding its annual Doughnation Day on Saturday, April 5. Two dollars from every six-pack of hot cross buns sold will go to national and local charities.
The local COBS will be donating its Doughnation Day funds toward the wheelchair accessible swing.
“We're hoping to do very well. If they're the top COBS in the province, then their corporate head office will match whatever they bring in. So we're really hoping that the community gets behind it and really pumps it up,” Boston said.
The second fundraising event for the swing is The Luxury Tragically Hip Tribute beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Soo Blaster located at 345 Queen St. E.
Tickets are $33.28.
To purchase tickets online through Eventbrite, click here.
Raising funds to purchase the swing is a worthy cause, Boston said.
“A disabled person and an able-bodied person can use it together. That's how it's designed. We're spearheading it because our whole mandate at The Algoma Autism Foundation is inclusion and acceptance and accessibility," he added.
Boston said the foundation would like to see enough funds raised to purchase and install the swing later this spring.
“The foundation is spearheading the fundraising but we're really trying to make it a community initiative so that other agencies, businesses, unions and whoever can get involved,” he added.
The purchasing of the swing would be done through the City of Sault Ste. Marie once the funds are raised.
“Anything left over would be used for the rubberized matting and all those other sorts of things that go along with it,” Boston said.
The swing will be for all ages.
“When we started this, it was about kids. After speaking with some adults in wheelchairs, it really broadened our outlook to adults and the elderly too. So it really is a purchase for every age group,” Boston said.