04/10/2026
Algarva 168 hosts annual hayride south of Grand Bend.
Algarva 168 of Grand Bend hosted its annual hayride for developmentally disabled adults at their Klondyke Road clubhouse on Wednesday, April 8. About 120 people attended to enjoy hayrides, food and social time. Pictured from left are Julie Vandendool and Dennis Robinson of Beaver Meadow Stables and Amanda Harris.
GRAND BEND – About 120 people visited the Algarva 168 clubhouse south of Grand Bend recently for the group’s annual hayride, a fun day for adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.
Algarva 168 is a charitable organization that dedicates itself to helping individuals with disabilities in Huron, Lambton and Middlesex counties. Its annual hayride on Klondyke Road provides a fun day for clients from several agencies.
Hayride chairperson Jack van Haastert said Algarva has hosted the hayride for more than 40 years. This year’s, held Wednesday, April 8, included wagons pulled by tractors as well as a horse carriage. In between rides around the property, participants enjoyed lunch and social time.
Van Haastert said the day included about 30 volunteers, and the event is held every year to not only provide a fun day for the clients, but to also provide a break for their workers. New friendships are formed at every event, he said.
Van Haastert said the Algarva members also enjoy the day and look forward to it every year.
“We get lots of smiles back,” he said. “It gives us a boost. It’s very rewarding.”
Algarva hosts several annual events for individuals with disabilities, including a Christmas party and a Duc d’Orleans Cruise Day, as well as its annual summer fun day, which this year will take place Wednesday, June 10, at the Thedford Legacy Centre, featuring indoor and outdoor games as well as meals. Van Haastert said the event usually sees 350 to 400 people attend.
Algarva also hosts fundraising events throughout the year.
The group, which formed more than 50 years ago, has about 45 members, and van Haastert said membership is open to anyone. Those interested in joining can find more information on the group’s page or by emailing [email protected].
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