March 31, 2015 - Equitable Life of Canada is once again partnering with Autism Speaks® Canada to bring its Walk Now for Autism Speaks® Canada to Waterloo-Wellington for its fourth year.
Held in more than 100 cities across North America, Walk Now for Autism Speaks 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 on Sunday,
May 31.
“We are extremely excited to have Equitable Life return for a fourth 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 the support of Equitable Life and its employees. We’re thrilled that they have continued that support into our fourth year. Our Walks bring thousands of participants together for a day that is fun and meaningful, while generating vital funds for autism research and family services.”
“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-Wellington again this year."
To help raise awareness for autism and build support for the Waterloo-Wellington Walk, Equitable Life will hold a number of employee driven events in April. As well, the company will launch a Light It Up Blue campaign that will run throughout the month. Starting on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, Equitable Life will be joining organizations and institutions around the world by illuminating its Head Office in blue light to raise awareness about autism. Equitable Life encourages other organizations and citizens in Waterloo-Wellington to Light It Up Blue at their homes and offices.
In addition, the employee-led committee at Equitable Life has planned several fundraising and awareness raising initiatives that will run throughout the month, including: Blue Mondays casual dress days, a fundraising bake sale and raffle, and a Blue Scavenger Hunt to increase employees’ knowledge about autism.
For more information about Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada, or to register for or donate to the Waterloo-Wellington Walk, visit: www.WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.ca/waterloowellington.
About Autism
Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disorder in North America. One in 68 will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Autism is more prevalent than pediatric cancer, childhood AIDS and diabetes combined. Rates of diagnosis have increased 57% from 2002 to 2006 and an astounding 600% in the last 20 years.
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
