Girls Club celebrates 1 year

Photo: Contributed

It will be a special birthday for a local charity. Girls Club, a social group for girls who have any type of neuro/developmental differences will be celebrating its first birthday Sunday, August 19 between 11:30 – 1:30. 

Girls Club was first launched in the Lower Mainland by a mom with a daughter diagnosed with autism. In August, the Club expanded to the Okanagan, and it now celebrates over 200 members across the two locations, with over 60 in the Okanagan alone.

“I started Girls Club Okanagan with the intention of having somewhere where my daughter could be herself and be surrounded by kids who experience the world in the same way that she does,” states Bree Cawley, chapter director. 

"The foundation of the group is based on the belief that all children wish to connect and form meaningful relationships with others. Providing on-going opportunities for kids/teens who might otherwise find it more challenging to make friends is one way to help foster these relationships"

Membership for girls club is free and no drop-in or participation fees are
charged for the regularly scheduled meetups, resulting in a continually growing interest in this new resource for girls with disabilities.

The one-year carnival-themed celebration is being held at NONA (North Okanagan Neurological Association) on Sunday August 19 between 11:30 – 1:30. 

The family-friendly event is free for any girls with a neurological difference, although pre-registration is requested by contacting [email protected].

Girls Club welcomes girls of all abilities, levels of independence and ages. 

Activities at the meetups include theme parties, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, listening to music, and just hanging out and having fun. In addition, scheduled activities and outings within the community are regularly scheduled.