Cochrane, Alberta, July 6th, 2020: Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) Alberta has found an innovative way to reach out to annual CADS Alberta participants who are presently facing the challenges of COVID-19. The CADS Alberta Board acquired 300 ISOLOVEPLAY Boxes from AMPED2PLAY to deliver to participant Members. The Board felt that individuals with disabilities are often a population that is overlooked relative to the larger populace and felt that providing some form of respite to its Member participants would fill a recent void created through the loss of many existing support mechanisms.

CADS Alberta Interim President Becca Neels stated “I am so excited to be a part of this. I can’t wait to see the impact that these boxes continue to have on our membership pool.”

The ISOLOVEPLAY boxes were delivered over the May and June timeframe, primarily by hand delivery by CADS Alberta staff.

“I just wanted to share this with the CADS Alberta Board. It was a great day today as I split the deliveries with our Program Director. It was so gratifying; everyone was so appreciative! The members expressed that they were surprised, some were in tears and others said that it was totally unexpected. CADS Alberta put many smiles on members faces today and will continue to do so with the remaining deliveries!” CADS Alberta

Executive Coordinator

The boxes are all unique multisensory experiences, there are multiple textures, weights, and sizes of objects. Individuals may require assistance to navigate the materials, dependent on age and ability, so supervision may be required for participants. However, the box would never exclude any participant.

In these unprecedented times ISOLOVEPLAY was created as a play package to support the thousands of parents, grandparents, educators, and more who are trying to cope with the present isolation we’re all facing and may be facing for a significant length of time.

“The impact has been such a positive experience and one that keeps us connected to our Membership. As questions obviously remain as to the status of the next ski and snowboard season, connectivity and communication are critical to keep everyone informed and feeling they remain an integral part of a community. That is the responsibility of CADS Alberta” Program Director, CADS Alberta

“We wanted to send you a very big thank you for Jax’s care craft pack! We are out of the learn to train program in Edmonton with Nigel. Jax was very excited to open the pack and loves crafts. Thanks again for this very kind gesture. We can’t wait to get back on the slopes.” CADS Alberta Member – Edmonton

“Dear CADS Board – The treat box arrived yesterday, and I was very pleased to receive it. I am looking forward to having some fun. Thank you for being so considerate during this very trying time. We can only hope that skiing will resume for the coming season.” CADS Alberta Member Parent – Calgary

CADS Alberta recognizes the importance of winter recreation to the adaptive community and will remain vigilant in attempting to ensure that Members have a winter season for 2020-21. More importantly, the safety of each CADS Alberta Member will remain the first priority, while we continue to work with the Alberta Health Authorities, our CADS Alberta Zone Programs, and our Membership to determine suitable next steps.

It was exciting to see a partnership between CADS Alberta and AMPED2PLAY, as collaborations like this will become integral to the success of both the non-profit and for-profit sectors in Alberta and across Canada.

For more information and to order your own ISOLOVEPLAY Box, visit:

ISOLOVEPLAY

Contact AMPED2PLAY at: isoloveplay@amped2play.com

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About CADS Alberta: Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Alberta is a provincial division of the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS). We are a volunteer based provincial sport organization that provides all Albertans recreational and competitive adaptive snowsport opportunities through a safe, inclusive learning and training environment; supported by strong leadership, advocacy and partnerships.

For more information on CADS Alberta, please visit: www.cadsalberta.ca

For additional information contact:

Sharon Veeneman

Executive Coordinator

p. 780-427-8104 Email: executivecoordinator@cadsalberta.ca