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50th Anniversary Community BBQ

– In the Community

This August, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a BBQ celebrating 50 years of DASCH in the community. We welcomed nearly 250 people, including those supported by DASCH, their families, community partners, and friends from other agencies.

We were entertained by a number of Folklorama performers including the energetic Asham Stompers, the vibrant Bola Oriyomi and Ariya Afrika Cultural Dancers, Rylee Sandberg, who amazed everyone with her hoop dance and her mom, Kelly Chinchilla, who wowed the crowd with a beautiful powwow dance.

A surprise guest stole the show—the Folklorama Llama! The llama joined in on the festivities, charming the crowd and dancing with guests between performers.

Asham Stompers perform at the Norwood Community Centre at DASCH's 50th Anniversary BBQ
The young girls in the Ariya Afrika Cultural Dancers perform at the Norwood Community Centre at DASCH's 50th Anniversary BBQ
Hoop dancer Rylee Sandberg with mom and powwow dancer Kelly Chinchilla with Dawn, a person DASCH supports at the 50th Anniversary BBQ at Norwood Community Centre.
The Folklorama llamma and a person DASCH supports with MC and Foundation Board member Amit Bindra.

We also celebrated a special birthday! A few weeks before the BBQ we learned Dante, one of the amazing people we support, was going to turn another year older the same day, and we hoped to make it extra special by singing him “Happy Birthday” with the whole crowd joining in.

We were honored to have Minister Renee Cable, MLA Robert Loiselle, MLA Nellie Kennedy, and MLA Obby Kahn join us.

“Today’s 50th anniversary celebration and the services provided by DASCH shows us that when dedicated people come to together we can build and inspire a community of inclusion where people with intellectual disabilities live to their full potential,” said MLA Nellie Kennedy in a speech she shared.

Group of people at DASCH 50th BBQ sitting down inside.
MLA Nellie Kennedy speaks at the event.
Dante dances with support worker alongside the Asham Stompers just out of shot.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a BBQ without some delicious food. Guests enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, doughnuts, and freezies while soaking in the spirit of the celebration.

Although it turned out to be a sweltering day, some brave guests still tried their luck at the yard games rented from Pulford Community Living‘s social enterprise!

Karen loads up her hot dog from WIlly's Hot Dog Cart
Two people DASCH supports play a giant connect four from Pulford Community Living.

As Amit Bindra, DASCH Foundation Board Member and our MC for the day, put it, “DASCH has seen many incredible changes and growth over the years, becoming a leader in advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of the journey, and we look forward to continuing to create a brighter future together!”

This celebration was more than just a BBQ; it was a joyful reminder of what we can achieve with teamwork and a common goal.