Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada will raise Awareness and Funds for Autism Research, Services, Advocacy and Research

MONTREAL, May 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS CANADA WILL RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, SERVICES, ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH ON May 24 AT McGill University, Tomlinson Fieldhouse.

Autism Speaks Canada, part of North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the Montreal Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada fundraising and awareness event will take place this Sunday, May 24, 2015 at McGill University, Tomlinson Fieldhouse. All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks' work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about autism spectrum disorder, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Montreal 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. Autism Speaks Canada has made a significant impact in the Montreal area. In addition to its national efforts, the organization has provided funding to local services providers, including McGill University Health Centre: Autism Spectrum Disorders Program, Spectrum Productions and Apple Hill Foundations as well as Miriam Foundation and La Fondation Place Coco through its Family Services Community Grant program.

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 with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – 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 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."

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 National Bank, CTV and the beat 92.5 as proud local sponsors.

For more information about the 2015 Montreal Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca or contact your walk manager at qcwalknow@autismspeakscan.ca.