This May, something truly special is blooming in Scarborough.

Hosted by the SAAAC Autism Centre, Mother’s Market is a joyful community celebration that brings together families, food, music, and local entrepreneurship—all in honour of Mother’s Day.

But this isn’t your typical market.

At the heart of the event are incredible local mothers and their children—many of whom are on the autism spectrum—who have come together to build small, family-run businesses. These families are graduates of the SPARKS Incubator, an innovative SAAAC initiative designed to tackle the crisis-level unemployment faced by autistic adults in Ontario.

Through SPARKS, families received coaching, funding, and support to bring their ideas to life. And now, they’re ready to share their talents and stories with the wider community.

Whether you’re a parent, newcomer, neighbour, or longtime friend of SAAAC, Mother’s Market invites everyone to come together and celebrate creativity, courage, and connection.

🌟 What You Can Expect:

  • 🛍️ A vibrant market featuring one-of-a-kind handmade items—from jewelry to home goods to cultural crafts
  • 🍲 Delicious eats that reflect the rich cultural heritage of our community
  • 🎶 Live performances by local artists and entertainers
  • 💬 Inspiring stories of resilience, love, and entrepreneurship from mothers and caregivers

For many of the families featured at this event, the journey to business ownership wasn’t easy. Newcomer parents of children with autism often face barriers when trying to access supports, build community, or find meaningful work. Mother’s Market gives these families a platform—not only to earn income, but to be celebrated and seen.

A caregiver and an autistic learner standing behind a table at SAAAC's Holiday Market, proudly showcasing their small business. The table is filled with an assortment of colorful cakes and packaged treats, with festive holiday attire adding to the cheerful atmosphere.

It’s a space where every purchase supports a dream.

It’s a space where mothers are recognized for the leaders they are—inside their homes and beyond.

It’s a space where community members, whether they know about autism or not, can learn, connect, and be inspired by the strength of local families.

And it’s a space that reflects what SAAAC stands for: an inclusive, compassionate future where every family is supported, and every person can thrive.

So come with your friends. Bring your kids. Enjoy a samosa. Pick up a handmade gift. Hear a story that moves you. And leave with something you didn’t expect—a deeper understanding of what inclusion truly looks like.

📅 Date: May 10, 2025
📍 Location: SAAAC Autism Centre – 705 Progress Ave, Unit 63, Scarborough, ON
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Register to attend the event: https://forms.office.com/r/b61h819Zds

Admission is free. All are welcome.

Let’s celebrate our mothers, our makers, and our shared community.