A whole host of interactive experiences are being lined up for Invisible Awareness Day, next Saturday, Sept. 14.
And the goal, insists event founder Dave Thomson, is to invite "empathy, not sympathy" from people in relation to hidden health conditions, diseases or afflictions.
Wearing a weight vest, getting your hand-zapped, experimental writing with your weaker hand and reading with one eye closed will all be part of the fun and games at the Lansdowne Centre.
"There will be lots of "uh ha" moments for everyone to experience," said Richmond Centre for Disability's public education coordinator Thomson.
"The experiences are just a few of the things we've got lined up to pull people young and old in and perhaps give them an insight into what it's like to be in someone else's shoes."
As well as attracting the attention of people who're fortunate enough to be fully fit
and healthy, Invisible Awareness Day is also designed to connect with the people who need help the most, but might not know where to start.
"There are so many people out there who don't know who to talk to or what to do," said Thomson.
"This is the place to come to; you don't have to be invisible any more."
At the event, there will be demonstrations, prizes and information on how to access quality support agencies within the community.
Participating agencies will include: Arthritis Society of BC; Gastrointestinal Society of BC; Canadian Injured Workers Association of BC; Nurse Next Door and the Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation.
Invisible Awareness Day runs Saturday, Sept. 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
