On November 9, Castlegar RCMP Cst. Rob Gardner presented Connor Lauriault with an iPad, case and $200 worth of iTunes credits to help him out at school and at home.
Lauriault, who is eight years-old, lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder which impacts his motor skills, cognitive skills, communication and social development. He attends grade two at a local elementary school where he has access to a a computer; however, his motor abilities are limited and an iPad will allow Lauriault to tap and slide rather than use a keyboard, which should increase his written output abilities. An iPad is viewed by peers as positive and acceptable and increases opportunities for peer interaction.
After going on his first Cops for Kids bike ride, Cst. Gardner is glad to see one of the many children who are helped by the ride.
"This year was my first ride with the team," he said. "It was an amazing experience. I was able to meet many other police officers, sheriffs and CBSA personnel who were all on the ride to raise money to help kids in need. We met many of the Cops for Kids ambassadors along our almost 1,000 km bike ride route."