by The Nelson Daily Sports on Wednesday May 23 2018
The Nelson Leafs, which continues to promote Autism Awareness in the area, received a “Shout Out” from Equine Assisted Learning program after the Hockey Club made a donation following fundraising during the past season.
“It is through the generosity of organizations like this in our communities that we are able to continue to offer these programs to serve the youth of our communities,” said Michelle Seminoff of EAL.
Seminoff said the Equine Assisted Learning program is an experiential, building block program that teaches Social Skills to youth at risk through working with horses.
“The program has been delivered in the Trail area for six years and this is the second spring in the Nelson area,” Seminoff explained.
“The program serves the most vulnerable children in our communities, kids on the Autism Spectrum, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, ODD, and youth facing many other challenges benefit through working with the horses.”
Seminoff said the horses are invaluable as teachers as they meet each child where they are on any given day. They don't judge or hold grudges.
“Horses, being prey animals, are able to sense a predator’s heartbeat 50 yards away, so they are capable of knowing what's going on with a child who is having difficulty articulating their particular issues.”
Seminoff said the Little Oasis Benefit Society is extremely grateful for the fundraising efforts of the Nelson Leaf Organization on behalf of the EAL program.
This past February, the Leafs stepped up during Autism Awareness Month as well as made a donation after raising more than $1500 from a March bottle drive.
In other Leafs news:
- The hockey club is hosting its Annual General Meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Nelson and District Community Complex.
- The Leafs raded forward David Sanchez, 18, to the Fernie Ghostriders in exchange of a player development fee.
- Nelson acquired 18-year-old forward Trail Thompson from the Spokane Braves in exchange of a player development fee.
- The Leafs announced the KIJHL commitment of defenceman Alek Erichuk. The 6'1", 185-pound rearguard played 46 games with Okanagan Hockey Academy Red Prep, tallying four goals along with 22 assists.
- Nelson announced the commitment of forward Keenan Crossman for the upcoming season. Crossman played four regular season games, along with 12 playoff games for the Leafs last season.
