June 9, 2016 - Equitable Life of Canada is once again partnering with Autism Speaks® Canada to bring its annual Walk to Waterloo for its fifth year.
Held in more than 100 cities across North America, the Autism Speaks Walk is a fun-filled, family-friendly event held annually to raise funds for autism research and family services, and to increase awareness about autism. The three-kilometre walk will be held at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex this Sunday, June 12.
“We are extremely excited to have Equitable Life return for a fifth year as the local presenting sponsor of our event in Waterloo-Wellington,” said Jill Farber, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada. “The tremendous success of our annual Waterloo-Wellington Walk would not be possible without their support and the support of their employees. Our Walks bring thousands of participants together for a day of celebration, connecting with the community and raising vital funds for local and national services, world-leading research while also spreading autism awareness.”
“Autism spectrum disorder affects millions of families around the world, across Canada and right here in our community," said Ron Beettam, President and CEO of Equitable Life. "We are proud to partner with Autism Speaks Canada to bring this important fundraising event to Waterloo again this year."
To help raise awareness for autism and build support for the Waterloo Walk, Equitable Life held a number of employee driven events throughout April. As well, the company supported the Light It Up Blue campaign throughout that month, lighting the building blue to raise awareness about autism.
In addition, the employee-led committee at Equitable Life hosted several initiatives to raise funds and awareness, including Blue Monday casual dress days, fundraising lunches and raffles, and a Blue Scavenger Hunt to increase employees’ knowledge about autism. Beyond the corporate sponsorship, employees donated an additional $10,000 to support Autism Speaks Canada.
For more information about the Autism Speaks Canada Walk, or to register for or donate to the Waterloo Walk, visit Autism Speaks Canada Walk.
About Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada, is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Autism Speaks Canada is committed to building the capacity for research and services across the country; raising public awareness; and collaborating with other organizations to speak alongside the autism community. Since its inception, Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada have invested over $200 million into scientific research, $6 million of which has been committed towards leading Canadian autism research. Since 2010, over $2.5 million has been granted to organizations across Canada to increase their capacity to support individuals and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Speaks Canada is committed to raising the funds necessary to improve lives today and transform lives tomorrow across the autism spectrum and along the lifespan.
About Equitable Life of Canada
Canadians have turned to Equitable Life since 1920 to protect what matters most. We work with independent advisors across Canada to offer individual insurance, savings and retirement and group benefits solutions to meet your needs.
But we’re not your typical financial services company. We have the knowledge, experience and ability to find solutions that work for you. We’re friendly, caring and interested in helping. And we’re owned by our participating policyholders, not shareholders. So we can focus on your interests and provide you with personalized service, security and wellbeing.
Media contacts
Patti McKague
Director, Corporate Communications
Equitable Life of Canada
519.904.8470
pmckague@equitable.ca
Carrie Habert
Director, Marketing
Autism Speaks Canada
416.362.6227 Ext 208
carriehabert@autismspeakscan.ca
