Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services hosted its annual Walk and Roll for Woodview and Family Fun Fair event in Brantford on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Michelle Bake-Murphy, Woodview’s Communications and Fundraising Manager, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the community while raising money to support the organization’s various programs and services.
“This event is really about inviting the community to come together to support local mental health, autism and developmental services. It’s a wonderful community celebration with all kinds of family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, youth zone, live music and food, and of course a special, inclusive walk to the banks of the Grand River,” she said with a smile. “We’re proud to serve as the lead agency for child and youth mental health in Brantford-Brant, and this community is so important to us. We have really deep roots here, so we love it when families can come out and have fun with us.”
Gathering at T.B. Costain Community Centre bright and early on Saturday morning, families and individuals alike spent their time exploring the variety of activities offered on site.
Following a dedicated sensory hour to start the event, participants later found plenty to entertain themselves with during the family fair.
From spending time with the animals from Triple C Farm to jumping around on the bouncy castle, playing lawn games, enjoying a variety of snacks and refreshments, working on crafts and dancing around to live music from the Wellington Street Band, there were all sorts of activities for families of all ages and abilities.
As the walk drew near, Emily Vukovic of CHCH Morning Live welcomed attendees to the event before inviting Flora Ennis, Executive Director of Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services, to the front to say a few words.
“It’s so wonderful to look around and see so many familiar faces, families, friends, staff, volunteers and community partners together today. For more than 65 years, Woodview has had the privilege of walking alongside children, youth, adults and families. Today, more than 5,000 people access Woodview for mental health, autism and developmental services each year, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of,” said Ennis. “One of the things I love most about the Walk and Roll is that today isn’t just about the programs and services, it’s about the people. It’s about community, and it’s about belonging. We want to create a space that feels welcoming, inclusive, fun, and you can come exactly as you are, enjoy the day whichever way you want, spend time together, and simply feel part of your community.”
Parent Rachelle Hest, also had the opportunity to say a few words about her and her daughter’s experience with Woodview.
“From a very young age, it was clear my daughter was unique and needed some additional support. The problem was finding those supports. As a parent, that felt incredibly difficult and a lonely feeling. I felt like I was letting my daughter down because I couldn’t find the help she needed,” she said. “After searching for support and resources, I found Woodview, and that was the beginning of many connections, opportunities, and changes in both of our lives. The change didn’t happen overnight. It was slow, but there was progress. My daughter was receiving the support she needed, and I was receiving support and guidance that helped me better understand and assist her. Suddenly, my world didn’t feel so lonely.”
Hest continued, saying “Over the years, I have been connected with Woodview, my daughter has participated in many of the programs and received support in many different ways. She has made connections, built relationships, and made friends. Most importantly, she feels accepted for who she is. And I have changed too. I now have a support system that I didn’t know existed. I have been given tools, knowledge, and confidence to better support and navigate my daughter’s individual needs. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but Woodview is my village. …My daughter has a community around her. We have people we can turn to, people who understand, and people who genuinely want her to succeed. All of this began because years ago I was feeling like I had almost run out of options when I was fortunate enough to find Woodview.”
Following the speeches, participants, staff and volunteers, headed out for their walk, later returning to enjoy the rest of the festivities. Many also took the opportunity to capture a memory with a fun photo, browse the silent auction or participate in the 50/50 draw.
For those who may have missed the event, Bake-Murphy said there’s still opportunities to contribute to the fundraising efforts.
“We’ll continue the online 50/50 raffle through October 25, and people can take part in that by visiting rafflebox.ca/raffle/woodview/,” she said. “They can also donate by visiting https://walkandroll.woodview.ca/donate”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
