Lake Ridge Community Support Services Announces Postponement of Annual Autism Fun Fair
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Organization prioritizes accessibility standards and sensory needs following unexpected venue unavailability; reaffirms support for Durham Region’s disability community.
WHITBY, ON — September 9, 2026 — Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS) announced today that its highly anticipated Annual Autism Fun Fair, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, has been postponed. The decision comes following notification from the contracted venue, the Abilities Centre in Whitby, that the facility is unable to host the event.
The annual event serves as a major community celebration and fundraiser for the LRCSS #ABAforAll initiative, which directly subsidizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs for children, youth, and adults with autism or intellectual disabilities across Durham Region. Over 500 attendees, along with local vendors, performers, and community partners, were registered to participate.
Rather than compromising on the strict accessibility features, sensory accommodations, and safety standards required for the neurodivergent families it serves by rushing to an alternative site, LRCSS made the deliberate decision to postpone the fair while a new location is finalized.
"Providing a safe, fully accessible, and sensory-conscious environment for our clients and families is non-negotiable," said Renee Hacker, Clinical Director at Lake Ridge Community Support Services. "While we share in the deep disappointment felt by our families, sponsors, and vendors, we believe in the mission of the Abilities Centre and our commitment to what is best for the disability and neurodivergent community at large remains absolute."
In a statement provided to Lake Ridge Community Support Services regarding the facility's current availability, the Abilities Centre shared:
"Abilities Centre sincerely apologizes for the sudden postponement of the 2026 Autism Fun Fair, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at our facility.” The statement went on to say, “This cancellation came because of a decision made by Abilities Centre. An opportunity came up, the kind that rarely comes around for a non-profit, and that will help us continue supporting our community and mission moving forward. It required us to make a difficult choice that impacted this event.”
Read official statement from the Abilities Centre below.
Next Steps for Attendees, Vendors, and Sponsors
Automatic Registration Transfer: All existing registrations completed via Zeffy remain fully active and will automatically roll over to the rescheduled date. No action is required by ticket holders. They will be the first to know about updated event details.
Donations Received: Any one who has already provided a donation through the event will be presented with the opportunity to receive a refund.
New Venue & Date Announcement: LRCSS is actively evaluating accessible venues including the Abilities Centre and dates within Durham Region to host the event. The updated date and location will be announced as soon as logistics are locked in.
Continued Community Support: The #ABAforAll fundraising campaign remains active, ensuring local families continue to receive subsidized, evidence-based care.
Lake Ridge Community Support Services extends its heartfelt gratitude to its partners—including Wee Watch Childcare, Monarch House, Y001 Distribution Centre (Amazon), Mil Photography, GCDN, local emergency services, and participating vendors—for their swift understanding, flexibility, and unwavering support during this transition.
For further event updates, sponsorship inquiries, or to support the #ABAforAll campaign, please visit lrcss.com/funfair or contact lrcss@lrcss.com.
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About Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS)
Lake Ridge Community Support Services is a non-profit organization providing evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability in Durham Region. Through clinical expertise, community engagement, and dedicated fundraising, LRCSS works to build inclusive communities where individuals of all abilities can thrive.
Media Contact:
Fundraising & Community Engagement Team
Lake Ridge Community Support Services
📧 Email: lrcss@lrcss.com
📞 Phone: (905) 666-9688
🌐 Website: www.lrcss.com