The Glengarry Community Creators and local charity the SunShiners Social Club are co-organizing a two-day event on Friday, April 11, from 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 12, from 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The exposition will take place along Main Street South in Alexandria and include more than 20 local vendors and artists showcasing their work, talent, and creations.
The SunShiners Social Club’s Finola Hogan and Nancy Green hope to make the exposition a monthly event to encourage a safe, positive, and enriching community for members and caregivers of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The SunShiners Social Club was formed by Hogan in January 2023 after moving from Montréal to Alexandria. Hogan’s son Benjamin is autistic, and Hogan found that waitlists for appropriate activities and programs were too long in the region.
Hogan took it upon herself to organize the charity as a way to help her son and others in the same situation connect to the larger community around them.
Her mission since day one has been to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those living with disabilities through athletic, recreational, and artistic programs—free of charge.
Popular activities at the club include chair yoga, arts and crafts, and sports nights held at the Glengarry District High School. Community markets highlighting the talents of those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities aim to expand the club’s reach.
Hogan explained, “The markets help us advance toward our goal by encouraging valuable social connections, creating opportunities for our members to showcase their artwork and crafts, and raising awareness about our group and how we can help.”
Some of the vendors attending include Anick Menard with ADJ Liquidations, Muddy Toes Organics, Kenyon Kraftworks, Cutie Panda Creations, Steve’s Knotty Furniture, and individuals offering tarot readings. Displays of artwork created by SunShiners Social Club members will also be viewable by attendees while they shop.
Hogan said that the club had moved to 26 Main Street in January, and she would like to rent the space on a full-time basis; “We would like to see it used for the benefit of the whole community, so if anyone would like to volunteer to teach a free class like knitting, painting, dance, etc., we would love to offer our space for it.”
Interested individuals can follow upcoming events and request more information by visiting the SunShiners Social Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551824279392.
