By Afraa Kori
We Rock the Spectrum Berwick held a special open play session to celebrate their first birthday anniversary on Saturday 16 November.
They shared this day with social group friends and families, guests along with some of their regular customers that have supported them since we opened. Staff families and siblings also joined the celebration, including 55 kids that attended with parents and siblings.
The kids played inside the sensory gym where they had activities setup, arts and craft and decorating pancakes and cookies. There was a sausage sizzle, lolly bags, barista coffee, light snacks and cold drinks supplied by the committe.
We Rock the Spectrum hired a fairy floss machine from fairy floss pops to treat the kids with some freshly made fairy floss.
They also hired Animals fur All to come in and bring some baby animals for the kids to feed and cuddle. The attendees names were put in a raffle and the winner received prizes which consisted of tumbler gifts set made by Mishka Vinyl Creations, Open Play passes and packages and money to spend in the Rock Shop.
The wonderful crew at Sleep’s Pakenham donated some bedding and also came to help the committee on the day.
The children enjoyed a spin the wheel game where they had a chance to win more fun prizes.
Owner and host Anne Khuon said the response from the community was overwhelming positive.
“Everyone had a really great time, we did receive lots of wonderful feedback and everyone appreciated the work we put into running this event for our families,” she said.
“We are looking at doing this on a more regular basis as it was really fun seeing the kids have such a great time. Our special needs kids struggle to find inclusive places to go and the parents find it hard not being able to relax and enjoy themselves, there is always a fear of being judged so being able to combine lots of different activities for them at our place was really special for everyone. Our motto is ’Finally a place where you never have to say l’m sorry’ which we always remind parents just let the children be themselves, don’t ever apologise for anything just come in have fun and relax.”
