June 25, 2012 - More than $164,000 raised for autism research and family
services
The inaugural Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Waterloo-Wellington
was a fundraising success as almost $165,000 was raised in support
of Autism Speaks Canada. Approximately 1,750 walkers laced up
their sneakers and hit the pavement at Waterloo Park yesterday to
raise vital awareness and support for a disorder that is now being
diagnosed in 1 out of every 88 children. Walk Now for
Autism Speaks is the signature fundraising event for the
organization and is the fourth of six Walks that will be taking
place across Canada this year. Waterloo-Wellington is the
last Walk of the spring season, which has already brought in
$840,000.
"We are thrilled with the enthusiasm that Waterloo-Wellington
has shown from the moment we announced that we would bring our Walk
Now event to the region," said Marc Murnaghan, Chair, Board of
Directors for Autism Speaks Canada. "Our Walk events are so
important in achieving our mission to fund vital research and to
support family services programs and initiatives. To have
Waterloo-Wellington beat their fundraising goal weeks before the
Walk is so inspiring. We want to thank all of the families,
supporters, service providers and corporations that came together
to raise awareness and funds for the autism community."
Corporate support for the event included Toys"R"Us and
Babies"R"Us who are the national sponsors for the Walk Now for
Autism Speaks events across Canada and Equitable Life of Canada as
the presenting sponsor for Waterloo-Wellington.
"Autism affects thousands of Canadian families, and Equitable
Life is very proud to be partnering with Autism Speaks Canada to
bring this important fundraising event to Waterloo-Wellington for
the very first time," said Don Bisch, Director of Corporate
Communications at Equitable Life of Canada. "We hope this Walk
becomes a much-anticipated annual event here in the region for many
years to come, and that it helps change the future for all who
struggle with autism spectrum disorders."
Funds raised at the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events support
autism research and the Family Services Community Grants Program,
which has directed more than $1 million in grants to support
programs and services over the last two years. In 2011, 26
grants totaling more than $569,000 were awarded to organizations
and families in provinces right across Canada.
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of
complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders -
caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social
and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An
estimated 1 in 88 children across North America is on the autism
spectrum - a 600 percent increase in the past two decades.
About Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks together with Autism Speaks Canada forms
North America's largest autism science and advocacy
organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the
causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing
awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the
needs of individuals with autism and their families. Fund
raising walks for Autism Speaks are held across North America
including 6 sites in Canada. Funds raised through walks and
other events support Canadian autism research and community grants
to agencies across Canada that work directly with children, youth
and adults with autism. To learn more about Autism Speaks Canada,
please visit www.autismspeaks.ca.
For more information on the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events,
please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca.
Information on Autism Speaks U.S can be found at www.autismspeaks.org
About Equitable Life of Canada
As one of Canada's largest mutual life insurance
companies, Equitable Life is dedicated solely to its policyholders.
The Company is focused on providing them with high-quality service,
security and well-being. Since 1920, Canadians have been depending
on Equitable Life for financial protection. The Company offers a
wide selection of competitive Individual Life and Health, Group
Life and Health, and Individual Savings and Retirement products to
meet the needs of its large and growing base of participating
policyholders.
Media relations contacts
Alicia Erz
Manager, Communications, Web & Social
Media
Autism Speaks Canada
647.534.7049
alicia.erz@autismspeaks.org
Don Bisch
Director, Corporate Communications
519.904.8017
dbisch@equitable.ca
