Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada

WATERLOO, 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 Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

Autism Speaks Canada, part of North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the Waterloo-Wellington Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada fundraising and awareness event will take place this Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. 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 Waterloo 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 service providers; Waterloo Region Family Network, Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski School, Autism Services Waterloo Region and KidsAbility Centre for Child Development as well as 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 3 kilometer Walk and Community Resource Fair with 11 nonprofit organizations and small business owners ranging from educational sources, therapists, 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 500 people gathered for Waterloo's Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada where over $114,000 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 Personal Injury Lawyers as the Ontario Resource Fair sponsor as well as Equitable Life as local presenting sponsor and 91.5 the beat and 107.5 Dave FM as media sponsors.

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