BURNABY, September 25, 2024 – Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change (new window) program returns with their third annual #HackingForTheHolidays (new window) campaign, ensuring that play is accessible to all children with disabilities this holiday season.
With a fundraising goal of $125,000, they are aiming to build 2,000 toys and switches, host over 80 events across all 10 provinces, and activate 2000+ volunteers. All toys made will be donated to families and clinicians across Canada.
For many kids with disabilities, toys can be hard to use independently, and commercially adapted versions can cost hundreds of dollars. That high cost leaves many families and therapists supporting kids with disabilities without the interactive toys and access methods crucial to childhood development.
However, with a little bit of tinkering, we can switch-adapt toys and make them accessible for a fraction of the cost.
Hacking for the Holidays is raising funds to spread the joy of play this holiday season. Every dollar counts — many battery-operated toys can be adapted with just $5 worth of parts, while $50 can cover the whole cost of a toy and switch.
This year’s campaign runs from September 25th through to the end of December.
Visit the campaign website: Hacking For The Holidays Website (new window)
Watch the video: Hacking for the Holidays Fundraiser (new window)
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About Neil Squire
“We use Technology, Knowledge, and Passion to Empower Canadians with Disabilities.” Neil Squire , the Canadian leader in assistive technology, has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984. Our work is focused on four distinct areas: Innovation, Digital Literacy, Employment, and Assistive Technology. Our work enables people with disabilities to achieve their goals, reach their full potential and continue living life to the fullest.
About Makers Making Change
Makers Making Change, an initiative launched by Neil Squire in 2016, leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Occupational Therapists and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.