A virtual mocktail challenge in Cold Lake has been ongoing throughout the month of September as a way to raise awareness for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
A mocktail is a cocktail without the liquor.
Instead, juices, sodas, infused waters and other non-alcoholic ingredients can be mixed together to provide flavor.
Normally, the mocktail challenge would be hosted alongside an awareness barbecue over the course of an afternoon to coincide with International FASD Day on Sept. 9. However, with COVID-19 cases on the rise in the area, the Lakeland Centre for FASD, which hosts the event, decided to get creative and do a series of virtual events, such as a colouring contest for youth, Facebook live events and a poster campaign.
Mocktail-To-Go Bags were sent out to community partners that were to participate in the challenge.
FASD is a lifelong disability caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD disorders fall on a spectrum, as alcohol will affect fetuses differently depending on where they are in their development cycle, the amount of alcohol that is consumed and the genetic makeup of both parents.
These disorders can range from mild to severe and may include mental, physical, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities. The most recent studies have corrected misinformation from the past, and researchers tell us that there is no known safe amount of any kind of alcohol at any point during pregnancy.
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Great initiative!