Puzzled Jewelry raises awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder

London Drugs supports fundraising efforts at all BC and Alberta stores January 8 to February 19

puzzledLondon Drugs, Puzzled Jewelry, and the Pacific Autism Family Centre have teamed up to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder. From January 8th until February 19th, 2016, a 925 sterling silver puzzle necklace will be available for purchase at all British Columbia and Alberta London Drugs locations to support the new Autism Centre of Excellence. Puzzled Jewelry is a brand with a cause. Created by Patricia James, Keri Kennett and Debbie Siu, each year Puzzled Jewelry designs a unique puzzle piece item to build awareness of Autism. The three mothers joined together following autism diagnoses’ that affected each of their little boys.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that impacts typical brain growth. As a spectrum disorder, ASD has a wide variation in how it affects each person. Common characteristics include difficulties with communication and social interactions, repetitive interests and activities, and stereotypic motor behaviours.

At a cost of $25.00 plus tax, the proceeds from the necklace will go towards the new Autism Centre. Slated to open in the Summer of 2016, the Pacific Autism Family Centre (PAFC) core purpose is to become a knowledge centre while addressing the support and services required. The Centre will be the hub for research, and collaboration, providing individuals and their families with resources for their lifespan.

“Supporting organizations like the Pacific Autism Family Centre is important to the advancement of research and awareness of Autism across Canada,” said Kevin Sorby, London Drugs Retail Operations General Manager. “We would like to encourage our customers in British Columbia and Alberta to support this initiative with Puzzled Jewelry to increase community resources across Canada.”

The 925 sterling silver necklaces will be available for $25.00 plus tax at all London Drugs locations across British Columbia and Alberta from January 8th until February 9th. Proceeds from the campaign will go towards the Pacific Autism Family Centre, which will be the first of its kind in North America. Providing resources such as treatment, counselling and assessments, The Centre of knowledge and innovation will involve the development of physical “hub and spoke/satellite” centres located in communities across the province, in collaboration with local community partners. The expertise and information services offered in the hub location will be available to all Canadians with services continually evolving.

6 Books That Will Warm You Up on Cozy Winter Nights

Sure, skiing and snowshoeing are fun, but shovelling snow and scraping windshields? Not so much. Sometimes the best way to enjoy winter weather is to curl up with a great book – away from the pesky sub-zero temperatures. Here are our picks for 6 great winter reads, best enjoyed with a roaring fire and a cup of tea.

Photo via Flickr user Michael Pardo

Photo via Flickr user Michael Pardo

1. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

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Written by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, The Cuckoo’s Calling is the first novel in a new seven-book mystery series. Harry Potter fans will love Detective Cormoran Strike’s keen investigative skills and Hagrid-like gruffness, but shouldn’t expect further similarities to the magical teen series. Though Rowling’s signature engaging characterization and intricate plots remain, The Cuckoo’s Calling offers a much darker reading experience. Fair warning: be careful when you choose to start this book. With sequels The Silkworm and Career of Evil already published, you may be in for a binge-reading experience that will last weeks or months, depending on your reading speed.

2. The Martian by Andy Weir

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Adapted as an award-nominated feature film starring Matt Damon, The Martian is a gripping tale of determination, resourcefulness, and independence. Astronaut Mark Watney is accidentally left deserted on Mars and is forced to save himself through a series of seemingly unsurmountable tasks. A survival story laced with wit and humour, readers will be engrossed in this unpredictable tale – we dare you to put it down.

3. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

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If you’re dreaming of spring (and spring-cleaning!), or made a New Year’s resolution to de-clutter your closets, then this is the winter read for you. Reknowned organizer Marie Kondo takes the reader through her acclaimed de-cluttering process that creates lasting change and big impact. Enjoy the reading time, because once you’ve finished, you’ll feel an instant urge to start tidying up your home and your life.

4. The Lake House by Kate Morton

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Alice Edevane’s baby brother Theo disappeared when she was only sixteen years old. Decades later, a clue emerges that might have the solution to her family’s tragedy. A cozy mystery that will keep you flipping pages, The Lake House is sad, beautiful, and absolutely gripping.

5. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

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Set in 1920’s rural Alaska, this fantasy novel tells the story of an aging couple that aches for a child. When cabin fever hits, the two build a snowchild when playing in the snow. The next day, the snowchild is gone, but they soon discover Faina, a child of the woods that they eventually come to love as their own. An emotionally complex fairy tale, The Snow Child will make you reconsider what you think you know about love and life.

6. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

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Winter is an appropriate time to indulge in some guilty pleasures, right? With young adult fiction popular for all age groups, it’s hard to resist a heart-wrenching page-turner like this one. Recently adapted in a film starring Chloe Moretz, If I Stay tells the story of Mia Hall, a teenager with dreams of becoming a professional cellist. When tragedy strikes in the form of a winter car accident, Mia finds herself caught between life and death – and has to choose which way to go. A story of love and heartbreak, If I Stay will have you considering what makes your life worth living. (If you love it, the sequel Where She Went is equally addicting.)

 

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