The SAAAC Holiday Market has become a beloved tradition for our community, bringing together students, families, and local businesses to celebrate the holiday season in a meaningful way. This year’s event, held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at our Birchmount Campus, was a true reflection of the power of community support and the skills we are building in our students. We are proud to say that over 200 community members attended, making the event a resounding success and a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together to support a cause.

Empowering Autistic Learners Through Skill Building

At the heart of the Holiday Market is the work of students from our Job Training Program (Goodness Gift) and Living’N’Learning Adult Day Program, designed to equip autistic learners with the skills needed for independence and success. These programs provide hands-on training in teamwork, customer service, food handling, and other essential areas, all of which come to life during the market.

The event allows students to practice these skills in a real-world environment, from creating handcrafted products to assisting customers with gift selections. It’s more than just an event—it’s a platform to integrate autistic learners into the economic fabric of Scarborough’s community, building skillsets that will serve them for a lifetime.

Goodness Gift team posing together at SAAAC's Holiday Market. They stand behind a display of beautifully packaged items, smiling and showcasing their work. A 'Goodness Gift' banner is visible in the background, highlighting their mission of creating high-quality, socially conscious products.

Celebrating Community and Local Businesses in Scarborough

This year’s market featured local vendors offering unique goods, from autistic entrepenerus led companies to sensory based toys – showcasing the diverse talents within Scarborough. Held at our Birchmount Campus, the event had greater space for activities, allowing us to engage with more community members than ever before.

The success of the market highlights the strong community support for autism initiatives in Scarborough, creating opportunities for connection and inclusion. As Pranavan Sriharen, the event organizer and Logistics and Supply chain Specialist at Goodness Gift, shared:

“The Holiday Market this year was an honor to organize, thanks to the amazing community that came together to provide a day of fun and holiday cheer. I think it’s incredibly important SAAAC continues to host the Holiday Market because events like this year’s show the community impact that can be had and give a real perspective on the community we support.”

A large group photo taken at SAAAC's Holiday Market, featuring participants, staff, volunteers, and families standing and sitting together in a festive room decorated with blue and white streamers. The group smiles warmly, creating a sense of community and celebration.
A vibrant scene from SAAAC's Holiday Market, featuring people browsing various stalls with colorful merchandise, including handmade dolls and books, while engaging in a warm and festive atmosphere. Blue decorations adorn the space, and community members of all ages are enjoying the event.

Reinvesting in Autism Programs

Funds raised from the Holiday Market are reinvested directly into our Job Training Program and Living’N’Learning Adult Day Program, ensuring that we can continue to offer life-changing opportunities for autistic learners. These funds help provide the resources necessary to offer training, mentorship, and development programs that are essential for our students’ long-term success.

A collage featuring various Goodness Gift staff and autistic learners posing at SAAAC's Holiday Market. The top image shows three smiling team members wearing volunteer badges. The middle image captures four individuals seated at a table with food items they prepared. The bottom image highlights two team members at a booth with packaged goods on display, ready to welcome visitors.

Join Us in Supporting Autism Services in Scarborough

The Annual Holiday Market is a testament to the strength of the Scarborough community we serve. It’s an opportunity to not only celebrate the holiday season but also create meaningful, lasting impact through skills development and community connection. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and made the Holiday Market a success. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Scarborough for all.