Thank you Random Acts of Kindness - Squamish Edition for generously giving my family tickets to a Day out with Thomas courtesy of West Coast Railway Heritage Park!

Bryce is super excited to meet and ride Thomas the Tank Engine!

There is something about children with autism and their connection with Thomas the Tank Engine.

In 2007, the National Autistic Society (NAS) conducted a survey of 748 parents of children with autism to investigate their strong and positive relationship between children with autism and Thomas & Friends.

Many parents felt that Thomas & Friends played a significant part in their child’s early learning and development – in particular numbers, colours and language. Some children in the study have been able to learn basic facial expressions and emotions from Thomas & Friends. Parents have been able to use Thomas & Friends’ ‘language’ to communicate with their child where ordinary language has failed.
- Making connections: A report on the special relationship between children with autism and Thomas & Friends (executive summary) (PDF)

For me, it’s a different kind of connection.

My dad worked for B.C. Rail for over 30 years before he passed away. So trains have always been a part of my life in some way or another and I try to share that memory with my son, who didn’t have much time with his grandpa before his passing.

This event means a lot to me and I really appreciate Random Acts of Kindness – Squamish Edition for thinking of us.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

For more information or to see if Thomas is coming to your town please visit: Day Out With Thomas