'Caring Bunny' Comes to South Hills Village
The mall will open early for families that have children with special needs.
The "Caring Bunny" will hop on over to South Hills Village from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 24 in the lower level north court.
Caring Bunny is a special event dedicated to families that have children with special needs, providing a subdued environment to visit this year’s bunny photo experience.
Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for the children’s magical visit with the Bunny during this event. This environment will include:
- Turning off in-mall music, dimming the lights, and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.
- Providing special activities and stories geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.
“Last year, we saw families who received a bunny photo with their child for the very first time,” said Sheryl Young, CEO of AbilityPath.org. “We are fortunate to have terrific alliances with Simon and their photo operators who have worked with us to lessen potential triggers, like having the event occur during private mall hours and other slight adjustments that help provide a calmer sensory-friendly environment for all children to enjoy.”
The Outdoor Classroom will be assisting and providing a special craft.
The presenting sponsor for the 2013 Bunny Photo Experience is Gymboree. Serving as an associate sponsor this year is Scanimalz.
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Samantha ann
3:34 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Stop all the P.C. crap!!! Its the easter bunny. What is santa claus? The gift giving plump man? If you dont want your kids to know the easter bunny, dont take them to see him!!!
C.Marie
9:24 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Cheesy name, but I really like the idea behind it. Hopefully more families will be able to have a lovely photo taken this year. :)
Angie McLuckie
11:43 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Please be aware south hills village doesn't allow picture taking in the mall. I was there taking a picture of my daughter on the Easter train she is 4 and the rent-a-cop said no picture taking. I about fell over. I asked why, he said due to terrorism. WHAT! I called the mall security office when I got home to confirm what was said to me, she said its correct and it's listed at all entrances. Wrong on so many levels. I will not be returning to South hills village.
C.Marie
12:19 pm on Sunday, March 24, 2013
Angie, I'm pretty sure all malls around here have that policy, not just South Hills Village. No need to be such a pompous little priss over it.
Roger
6:54 am on Sunday, March 24, 2013
The timing on this seems very strange. 9:00 to 10:30 on March 24 is prime time for Palm Sunday in the Christian community. Why would such an event be scheduled at a time when many families are involved with Palm Sunday worship services at their church? What is their indirect message with such a schedule?