EDMONTON, Sept. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autism Speaks Canada, part of North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization is proud to announce that the Edmonton Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada fundraising and awareness event will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Rundle Park. 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 Edmonton and across all of Canada.
The Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks Canada, raising nearly $1.2 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 Centre for Autism Services, Autism Society of Edmonton, Sinneave Family Foundation and The Citadel Foote Theatre School – to name a few.
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 3 km Walk, Interactive Area with activities and a Community Resource Fair with 14 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; Special Olympics Alberta – Edmonton, Foote Theatre School – Citadel Theatre, Autism Edmonton, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital – AHS, Centre for Autism Services Alberta, PFSL Investments (Primerica), Edmonton Epilepsy Association, Choral Morphosis, Brick Art by Aaron, Crossroads Family Services, InnovAID, Alberta AdaptAbilities Association, Community Options For Children and Families, Elves Special Needs Society. "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 1,000 people gathered for Edmonton's Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada where almost $170,000 was raised.
"Thanks to the help of sponsors, walkers and generous donors, 2015 is gearing up to be a success," said Melanie Haydon, National Director Walks and Community Events, Autism Speaks Canada.
Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® 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. Special guest, M.P. Mike Lake will be there to help kick off the festivities.
We are also excited to announce National Bank as a local sponsor and appreciate the tremendous support of our media partners; CTV, inews 880 AM, CISN Country 103.9 FM and Fresh Radio 92.5.
For more information about the 2015 Edmonton Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca or contact your walk manager at abskwalknow@autismspeakscan.ca.