OTTAWA, Ontario, May 26, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS CANADA WILL RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, SERVICES, ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH ON May 31 AT Carleton University Fieldhouse.
Autism Speaks Canada, part of North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the Ottawa Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada fundraising and awareness event will take place this Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Carleton University Fieldhouse. All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks' work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about autism spectrum disorder, fund autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Ottawa and beyond. Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children.
The Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks Canada, raising nearly $1.4 million in 2014 to support autism research, services, awareness and advocacy. In addition to its national efforts, the organization has provided funding to local services providers including Quickstart- Early Intervention for Autism, KickStart Early Identification and Assessment Protocol and many more in the surrounding area.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada is a unique fundraising event that offers a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. The day includes a two to three kilometer Walk and Community Resource Fair, sponsored by Neinstein and Associates Personal Injury Lawyers with 12 nonprofit organizations and small business owners ranging from educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true "one-stop-shop" for families impacted by autism.
"Thanks to tremendous community support and the work of our wonderful volunteers, our Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada event has made an enormous impact on the work that our organization is able to support each and every year" said Jill Farber, Executive Director. "In addition to raising funds and awareness, the Walk is a chance for families to come together, support each other, and make connections. Working together, we are making great strides toward improving the lives of people with autism and their families." Last year, more than 600 people gathered for Ottawa's inagural Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada where $53,000 was raised.
"Thanks to the help of sponsors, walkers and generous donors, 2015 is poised to be a great success," said Melanie Haydon, National Director Walks and Community Events, Autism Speaks Canada.
Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® will proudly serve as National Presenting Sponsors 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. We are also excited to announce Neinstein & Associates as the Ontario Resource Fair sponsor as well as National Bank as a local sponsor.
For more information about the 2015 Ottawa Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca or contact your walk manager at onewalknow@autismspeakscan.ca.