Inspirational stories come in all shapes and sizes. Entrepreneur Élise Grou (not pictured) started Animascotte in 2023 after her daughter was born with disabilities; that experience taught her to live in the moment and appreciate the small things in life that make people smile. On her website (animascotte. ca), she asks, “What’s better than a hug from a giant stuffed animal?” Local mom Kimberly Hartley (out of shot) brought her three children to meet the Easter bunny and decorate cookies. Twin girls Elena and Emma, 4, wear their matching “Big Sis” sweaters while the Easter Bunny holds their eight-month-old brother Elliot. (Photo by Danielle Burns)