When Wyatt Westman-Frijters heard his name called on the radio announcing that he had won the World Milk Day prize calf “Ingrid”, he was excited.  Even before he’d won, Wyatt knew exactly what he would do. “I felt happy,” he says. “I wanted to give to help others.” 

Wyatt, who lives in Milverton, Ontario, with his mom, Heather Westman, and his sister, Willow Westman-Frijters, thought about his sister, Willow, who has autism. Wyatt has a rare genetic disorder and is developmentally delayed. His first thoughts turned to his sister and the organization they are most connected with: Autism Ontario’s West Region. 

“Autism Ontario has given us some really cool opportunities,” says Heather. She cites the autism-friendly movie nights sponsored by Autism Ontario’s West Region. “There was no way we would’ve attempted taking her to the movies at a young age without this inclusive opportunity. Part-way through one show, she got up and sang a Barney song, then sat down and everybody kept watching the movie without judgement. It couldn’t happen like that anywhere else.”  

Wyatt’s father, Peter Frijters, made arrangements with the Ontario Livestock Exchange in Waterloo to put Ingrid up for auction at their facility and created syndicates of generous dairy farmers and businesses. The calf sold three times, with all the proceeds going to various local charities important to Wyatt, including Autism Ontario West Region. Wyatt was present at the event and proudly stood with Ingrid as she was auctioned off. “It felt good,” he said. 

“The auction drew a lot of community interest”, comments Heather. The family was grateful for all the supporters who showed up to cheer him on. “It was packed with Wyatt’s friends, family, and community members. They came from his hockey and baseball teams to support him. It was amazing!”   

The sale also received the attention of local media, with CTV Kitchener covering the auction and interviewing Wyatt. “It was an overwhelming and heart-felt day,” says Heather. “It was amazing to see so many people come together to support Wyatt and his fundraising.“ 

This was not the first time Wyatt and his family have raised funds for Autism Ontario. In 2022, through the sale of Rufus, a prize steer, the family donated approximately $10,375 to Autism Ontario.     

In September, Wyatt, along with his sister and Wyatt’s friend whom he met at high school, Joey, who is also autistic, will participate in the annual Walk for Autism, a fundraiser hosted by Autism Ontario West Region that takes participants around Stratford’s Avon River.  “Wyatt's been doing this for over ten years with Willow and Joey,” says Heather. “The three of them walk around the river together.”  

“It’s a tradition that we do this annually,” Heather continues. She has T-shirts made for them and follows up with a pizza party. “It’s a great day.”  

This year, Wyatt is looking forward to handing in his sponsored pledges and presenting his cheque from the sale of the calf. To raise funds for Wyatt’s Walk, his family hosts an annual food truck event in Milverton. Autism Ontario has a booth at the event, where people can go for more information. “There was one parent that didn't know how to get linked up with anybody. I sent her to the girls, and they could take it from there.”  

“I want Autism Ontario to be able to continue putting on these cool events, and also advocate and educate,” says Heather. “I think it's good to get the word out.”