Flag raising set for March 21

her wanting something similar closer to the Valley. She decided to start by bringing awareness to her local community.

The Valley’s World Down Syndrome Day flag raising and proclamation celebration will take place March 21 at 9:45 a.m. in the Municipality of the County of Kings council chambers at 87 Cornwallis St. in Kentville.

The goal of the celebration is to raise awareness of not only Down syndrome, but autism as well.

Saunders and her husband began using their brewery as a way to support local charities and benefit causes they find meaningful.

“It all started with our own brewery,” said Saunders, referring to the Bad Apple Brewhouse.

They started celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, using proceeds to contribute to local charities supporting causes that are near and dear to their hearts and helping kids attend summer camp at Brigadoon Village.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received, Saunders said. “It’s spreading like wildfire.” Several local dignitaries have expressed an interest in attending the upcoming flag raising. Municipal politicians, L’Arche Homefires representatives, the manager of Michelin’s plant in Waterville - as Saunders and her husband both work there – and Kings West MLA Leo Glavine, who will be reading a proclamation from the premier, are all expected to attend.

The flag at the heart of the event will feature a vibrant blue butterfly originally framed on a bottle in the Saunders’ brewery.

Saunders hopes that in the future this event will grow larger, and perhaps be celebrated in Halifax and other communities across Nova Scotia in the years to come.