An Okotoks market put local entrepreneurs in the spotlight.
The Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society (FAIM) hosted a Christmas market and bake sale on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Clients of the organization, which supports adults with developmental disabilities by providing employment and community involvement opportunities, were on-site selling everything from woodwork and crafts to paracord and crocheted items.
"We had an anonymous donor donate money for the specific idea of our clients being able to open up or start their own business, or to improve the business that they've already started," explained FAIM home living team leader Terina Cybulski.
Those funds, along with money donated through the Western Wheel Cares campaign, went toward helping some of the organization's clients realize their entrepreneurial spirit and start up their own business.
It's an opportunity to give those clients invaluable work experience as they make their way through society with the help of FAIM.
"We have a young gentleman here that does woodworking during the day and he sells his stuff, and so it gets him out in the community," said Cybulski.
"They make money off of it, they learn skills, it makes them proud to be part of the community and they enjoy it. They love going to markets, and people coming in and visiting with them and and just being part of the community."
The market was held at 325 Woodgate Rd., the site of FAIM's recently-opened Okotoks office.
The Okotoks branch, which supports over 70 adults with developmental disabilities, had secured a new location in February this year after searching for more office space since 2022.
Learn more about the organization, including more upcoming events and other ways to get involved, on FAIM’s website.
