Spreading the word and reaching out across the Minto community
PlayfulMinds Respite+ launched an advertising and publicity campaign this summer to reach out to the community for their help in spreading the word to families with loved ones with special needs. The goal is to ensure the more than 350 families in Minto know there is a new service now located here in Minto, a place where they can more easily access professional, experienced, trusted respite care.
Heather Hughes, founder of PlayfulMinds said, "One-in-five families in Ontario are caring for loved ones with special needs and most of us know of them through our schools, churches and other organizations, or as neighbours, and we want everyone to spread the word." She acknowledged that many members of the community had already stepped up through generous donations to the Minto 2026 Pitchit Competition, which PlayfulMinds Respite+ won in July. "Their donations made our advertising campaign possible, and our new website, designed by Kris Keown of KMI – a brilliant local marketing agency – is flourishing with information and inquires.
Radio commercials reflect brand strategy
Minto, like so many rural communities and small towns, lacks access to much needed special needs services, and the PlayfulMinds radio campaign created community awareness with two spots running on three radio stations, all reinforcing the brand strategy, emphasizing the importance of local access and community support
Field of Dreams. Build it and they will come
(Listen to 30 sec radio ad)
It takes a village to raise a child
(Listen to 30 sec radio ad)
Community events
We are also attending community events, which have, so far, included the Harriston Fall Fair, the Wellington North New Resident Welcome in Mount Forest, and the Minto Welcome New Residents event held in conjunction with the Palmerston Farmers' Market. We are speaking with many interested members of the community and handing out hundreds of brochures.
Heather said, "The interest is strong and so important because almost everyone knows someone who needs support, and the neighbourly concern from all the people who stopped to chat is so indicative of our wonderful Minto community."
Community support is growing by the day. Mayor David Turton and councillor Ron Elliott attended our July awards event and offered to contribute in any way they can. We have had similar interest from our MPP, Matthew Rae and Louise Howe, candidate for Minto council, as well as Joe McLaughlin, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce.
As part of PlayfulMinds' community awareness strategy, Heather continues to attend community events and she is available for booking as a speaker for community service organizations, the title of her speech, It Takes a Village to Raise Loved Ones with Special Needs.
Generous donation
PlayfulMinds Respite+ will shortly be announcing a generous financial contribution from one of our well-known community organizations."
The donation is for sensory equipment that helps children and adults with sensory processing, providing self-soothing and calming moments and spaces away from overwhelming environmental stimuli. In addition, some of these "magical play things" help improve cognitive focus, visual tracking skills, and emotional regulation, all designed to create comfortable, calming spaces where individuals with special needs can explore, discover and become more inclusive participants in our community.
We thank each and everyone of our community partners for their support!
Comments