Abbotsford Special Adventurers and 408 Squadron tour West Edmonton Mall
June 28, 2012
On Friday, June 1, 2012, the Abbotsford Special Adventurers (ASA) found themselves in front of West Edmonton Mall’s pirate ship, along with members of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (under the command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ont., but based at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alta.,) for the kick off to their much anticipated three-day Alberta excursion.The excursion included exploring Canada’s famous mall, before travelling by bus to Calgary to visit the equally popular zoo.
In 1983, Bill Blades realized the local programs in the Abbotsford, B.C., area did not provide opportunities for members with disabilities. He approached his local Kiwanis Club and the concept of a non-profit community recreation program for people with disabilities took off. The Special Venturers was born as part of the Scouting organization. In 2005, the group moved out from under the Scouting umbrella and became known as the Abbotsford Special Adventurers (ASA).
Master Corporal Cindra Brooks, a 408 Squadron member who lived in Abbotsford during the mid-1980s, was an active member with this group. She still keeps in touch with her community back home, so she brought the Edmonton visit the attention of the squadron. Soon, squadron volunteers joined in the big day, helping to host and escort the ASA members and sharing in their unique day at West Edmonton Mall.
Galaxyland – with bumper cars and roller coasters being the big ticket items – and the water park – with its wave pool – were popular spots for the ASA members. Later in the day, the group went to the sea lion show and then met up at “build a bear” where each made their own ASA bear to take home. The day concluded with dinner at the “Old Spaghetti Factory” restaurant where everyone traded stories about their adventures and the ASA members said farewell to their new friends from 408 Squadron.
Warrant Officer Janet Melnychuk, one of the squadron’s volunteers, said, “It was fabulous, refreshing, grounded you and made you feel back on track.”
Sergeant Kelly Vogan smiled and said it was like “soul food”.
