Educational and humanitarian events are a cornerstone
of Safari Club International. The Sensory Safari is a flagship
event for the Northern Alberta Chapter.
For individuals who are visually impaired, understanding
wildlife is an impossible task with only words as a guide. Through
the Sensory Safari visually impaired children and adults are
provided an opportunity to "see" wildlife through
their sense of touch by touching and feeling.
Supported by the Royal
Alberta Museum, the Sensory Safari utilizes donated and
borrowed animal mounts, skins, skulls and horns to help visually
impaired and disabled people come to better know wildlife.
In 2002, SCI Northern Alberta Chapter hosted
the first Canadian Sensory Safari. Every year since then the
Northern Alberta Chapter has provided at least one Sensory Safari
in different venues.
(click on the picture to enlarge)
All of our Sensory Safaris
held so far have been resounding successes. Here is an excerpt from a
letter received from one of our participants:
"I feel compelled to
write to you and your club and thank you for hosting the Sensory
Safari. I am blind and attended the event with my husband
and two sighted children. What a fabulous experience!
As a blind person, I haven't had such a meaningful experience
in a long time. ...your exhibit brought a whole new world
to my fingertips and it was wonderful to share the experience
with my kids.
Your members brought everything to life with their wonderful,
insightful and knowledgeable explanations. You all obviously
care very deeply about nature."
Jean Menzies
©
2003 Updated
September 17, 2007
