Autism Awareness organistion Nosh for Josh had its first-ever Christmas bake-off at GrandWest.
The two-day event aimed to bring together special needs children and their parents through a community bake-off while creating awareness about autism and other disabilities.
Nosh for Josh was started by Sandy Pekeur, the mother of Joshua Pekeur (15) who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
Joshua also happened to be born on World Autism Day (2 April).
Pekeur says there are many things Joshua cannot do yet, but he bakes cookies.
“Josh bakes completely on his own”, says Pekeur, adding that the name of his cookie is “Be my voice” (one cookie at a time).
The Nosh for Josh foundation is run under Pekeur’s NGO SA Society of Hope. She says since they do not have premises yet they do community bake-offs when and wherever they can, even if it is in a parking lot.
“We reach out to the children because there is such a stigma when it comes to special needs, they do not have the opportunities. Our vision is to start our economic growth. Josh has 350 beneficiaries who want to come and bake.”
First bake-off
This weekend’s bake-off was a first, says Pekeur.
“Nobody has done a bake-off with special needs children yet.”
She says so far they have done six bake-offs. At this weekend’s bake-off at GrandWest they had 15 sponsors helping out over the two days.
“This is how God comes together. He says to bring them all under one roof and make things happen.”
Chrishelda Dyers, socio-economic development officer at GrandWest, says the story of Joshua is such an inspiring one, it was a “had-to-do moment” for GrandWest.
Dyers adds that creating awareness on autism and other disabilities is important and falls in line with GrandWest’s policy to give back.
Soft spot
Rushdie Abdol, singer and songwriter, says he has a soft spot for special needs children.
“Singing for the kids brought joy to my heart. That is why we make music, to touch the heart of other people, especially children, to be positive role models for them to see that they can also do it, they can also sing, they can also dance, they can also beatbox, they can also do ballet.”
Benjiman the Beatboxer agrees with Abdol, adding that during his performance an autistic boy came out of his shell and joined the beatboxer on the stage.
“This boy usually does not beatbox in front of people but surprised everyone with his form of expression.”
Jazz singer Amy Williams, while singing, went around and gently touched everyone.
She said it was because most autistic children do not want to be touched. Williams believes it makes them feel that they belong, that they have a voice, are normal, can think, and are intelligent people.
Francheska Walker, Ward councillor, says it was her first bake-off.
“It is such a beautiful moment sharing and decorating a cookie for Christmas. Kids with disabilities are very special, we also have two special needs children in our family.”
Walker’s message to anyone that might be struggling with a special needs child, is to raise them with the same love as any other child.
