THUNDER BAY -- Bridget Steele doesn’t let her autism diagnosis get in her way.
A bubbly, slightly shy teenager attending Grade 10 classes at Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute, the 16-year-old has heavily involved herself in the school community and is an active member of student council.
She’s also a shining example to students everywhere.
Last month, with the help of classmates in her culinary class, the youngster staged a bake sale in conjunction with World Autism Day, raising $185 for the Thunder Bay chapter of Autism Ontario.
On Friday, after presenting the cheque to the organization’s past president, Steele said she felt it was important to do something to help a cause near and dear to her heart.
“I wanted to help other people who have autism like me,” she said.
It’s fantastic to see, said Dana Larrett, who accepted the cheque at a small ceremony at the school.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see any individual, student or otherwise, fundraise in support of Autism Ontario Thunder Bay,” said Larrett, whose son has also been diagnosed with the condition.
“It’s even that much more astounding to know that Bridget has a diagnosis of autism and she went out of her way to raise money in support of local families to further their well-being.”
School vice-principal Derek Di Blasio said Bridget’s efforts really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows her well.
That’s just the type of person she is, he said.
“She’s awesome. Bridget participates in lots of different activities at the school, but to see her shine and see how excited she was this morning, that makes us all kind of feel good inside.”
