TORONTO, June 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the prevalence of autism diagnoses increases 30% in 2 years, Autism Speaks Canada responds to the urgent need to raise more money in the 10th annual Toronto Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Nathan Phillips Square on June 8, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:300 p.m. This year's fundraising goal is $600,000 and all proceeds from the event support the local and national work of Autism Speaks Canada, which together with Autism Speaks in the U.S.A, is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children, making it the fastest-growing developmental disorder in North America, Europe and Asia. Last year's Toronto Walk Now for Autism Speaks attracted more than 5,000 walkers and raised more than $550,000. In addition to its national efforts, the organization has provided funding to many local service providers across the GTA, including recent grants to Autism Ontario, North York General Hospital and Kids Can & Oakwood Academy through its Family Services Community Grant program. It also provides funding to Holland Bloorview, Sick Kids Hospital and Surrey Place which are part of the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), the nation's first network of hospitals and physicians aiming to improve treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The Toronto Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun, family-friendly event that includes a 3 km walk through the city streets around Nathan Phillips Square. During the event, the Square is transformed into a children's play land with Inflatables and face painting. The event will also host a community Resource Fair featuring autism-related service providers, educational sources, therapists, schools and recreational organizations – a true "one-stop-shop" for families affected by autism. "Thanks to tremendous community support and the work of our wonderful volunteers, our Walk Now for Autism Speaks event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2014," said Susan Smart, Autism Speaks Canada Regional Walk Manager.
Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® will proudly serve as the National Presenting Sponsor of Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada. Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us will host a tented area at The Walk, serving as home base for the company's mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe. For more information about the 2014 Toronto Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca.
TORONTO WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS CANADA