FASD AWARENESS DAY
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h year International FASD Awareness Day is celebrated on the 9th of September, with the whole month often dedicated to FASD Awareness.
Community events to mark FASD Awareness Day take place around the world with communities traditionally pausing at 9:09am, the 9th minute of the 9th hour of the 9th day of the 9th month of the year, representing the nine months of pregnancy.
This time provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, share the prevention message and support alcohol free pregnancy across the globe.
STARFISH AWARDS
The Starfish award is presented annually on International FASD Awareness Day to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the FASD Community in the Central Alberta FASD Network region.
The Starfish Thrower Story
I awoke early, as I often did, just before sunrise to walk by the ocean’s edge and greet the new day. As I moved through the misty dawn, I focused on a faint, faraway movement. I saw a boy, bending and reaching and waving his arms – dancing on the beach, no doubt in celebration of the perfect day soon to begin. “As I approached, I sadly realized that he was not dancing, but rather bending to sift through the debris left by the night’s tide, stopping now and then to pick up a starfish and then standing, to heave it back into the sea. I asked the boy the purpose of the effort. “The tide has washed the starfish onto the beach and they cannot return to the sea by themselves,” he replied. ‘When the sun rises, they will die, unless I throw them back to the sea.’ “I looked at the vast expanse of beach, stretching in both directions. Starfish littered the shore in numbers beyond calculation. The hopelessness of the boy’s plan became clear to me and I pointed out, ‘But there are more starfish on this beach than you can ever save before the sun is up. Surely you cannot expect to make a difference.’ He paused briefly to consider my words, bent to pick up a starfish and threw it as far as possible. Turning to me he simply said, “I made a difference to that one.”
Do you know someone who is making a difference? An individual or group who has gone above and beyond in our community to support someone with FASD or created better understanding or awareness of FASD in their workplace, agency or community?
Who is a Starfish Award Nominee?
A Starfish Nominee is an individual or group who has made significant contributions related to FASD by:
Breaking new ground or removing old barriers
Showing vision, creativity and initiative
Being a leader and a role model
The 2019 Nominee’s include:
Alana Ekren
Carolyn Harlow
Corky Jonasson
Donna Boyko
Dr. Amar Singh
Judge Hunter
Keith Clarke
Lynn Jonasson
Pamela Lashmore
Roi Bannerman
Sharon Adams
Sharon Reschke
Shelley Popovich
And the winner of this year’s Starfish Award is Pamela Lashmore:
The Star Blanket
Given to Bless…….
For centuries, Plains People have used robes and Star Blankets to honour individuals at the time of life changing events such as births, deaths, graduations and marriages. While the Star Blanket has replaced the buffalo robe as a gift of honour; the tradition of generosity and blessing remain.
To give a Star Blanket is to show utmost respect, honour; and
admiration. To receive a Star Blanket indicates that the giver holds you in very high esteem for your generosity and accomplishments. It is also thought that Star Blankets result in good dreams and prosperity.
Generously provided by an artist from Pe Sakastew Healing Lodge