EDMONTON, Alberta, Sept. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the prevalence of autism diagnoses increases 30% in 2 years, Autism Speaks Canada is motivated to raising more money in the Edmonton Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada at Rundle Park on September 14 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. This year's fundraising goal is over $250,000 and all the 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 Edmonton Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada attracted more than 1,100 walkers and volunteers and raised more than $195,000.00. In addition to its national efforts, the organization has provided funding to many local service providers across the Edmonton area and the province of Alberta including recent grants to Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre, Autism Society of Edmonton, Centre for Autism Services, CASE, Scott Robertson School, The Steadward Centre as well as ongoing collaboration with the Sinneave Family Foundation. The Edmonton Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada, locally sponsored by ATCO Gas and Rotary Club of Edmonton Northeast is a fun, family-friendly event that includes a 3 km walk, Fun Zone with inflatables, performers, face painting and more. 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 Canada event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2014," said Sherrie Cameron, Autism Speaks Canada's Regional Walk Manager, for Alberta and Saskatchewan.
National Presenting Sponsor 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 and special guests at the event include the Honourable Naresh Bhardwaj, the Honourable Fred Horn and the Honourable Mike Lake and Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum. For more information about the 2014 Edmonton Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca. or call 1-888-362-6227.