Edmonton families living with autism took park in a three-kilometre walk for autism in Rundle Park Sunday morning.
These ‘Walk now for Autism Speaks Canada’ events – held in nearly 20 cities across the country – are the foundation’s largest fundraisers.
Edmonton-Wetaskiwin MP Mike Lake, whose 10-year-old son Jaden was diagnosed with autism when he was two, highlighted the financial significance of the event.
“The target is $150,000 … I think it’s been pretty successful given the economic circumstances in Alberta right now,” Lake said. “Money does go to important research and community services, grants, or local organizations.”
However, this walk isn’t just to raise money. It’s an opportunity for autism families to support each other, but especially, for the rest of the community to show solidarity to those who have been affected by this disease.
“It's all of those other people that come out to support the families and stand by and walk side-by-side, and really show that important support for families living with autism," Lake said. "The support of the broader community is critically important."
For more information about the Autism Canada, visit autismspeaks.ca.
