2021-05-26

Annual fundraiser for autism running virtually again this year

by KEVIN MCBAIN

  • <p>CONTRIBUTED PHOTO</p><p>The 12th annual Walk Your Way for Autism fundraiser will be held virtually for the second straight year on June 12.</p>
  • <p>CONTRIBUTED PHOTO</p><p>Register now for 12th annual Walk Your Way for Autism fundraiser that will be held virtually this year on June 12.</p>

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Autism Nova Scotia's annual Walk Your Way for Autism will be held virtually again due to the pandemic.

Organizers are encouraging participants to set their own pace and activity for the event that is set for June 12.

"We are encouraging people to walk, run, walk their dog, ride their bike, however you want to celebrate the walk. You can do it your way," said Rachel Whynot, Autism Support Coordinator of the South Shore Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia.

Now in its 12th year, the fundraising event had a name change last year from Walk the Walk for Autism Nova Scotia, after pandemic health regulations compelled organizers to switch to a virtual undertaking.

Autism Nova Scotia's South Shore Chapter covers Queens and Lunenburg Counties. The parent organization has nine such chapters in the province. All money raised by a chapter is kept within each chapter's borders.

Last year's September 26 event saw 76 participants with 12 teams help raise $18,700 for the local chapter.

According to Whynot, so far there's been a lot of interest in participation from residents, and, for the first time, some schools have signed up to take part in the event.

Funds raised through this event empower Autism Nova Scotia and its chapters to help individuals find gainful employment, learn crucial life skills and build support networks.

In Nova Scotia in 2015 - the most recent year for statistics - one in every 68 people between five and 17 years of age was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This year, organizers are including an online auction as part of the event. Those wishing to view the items up for grabs can go to South Shore Walk Your Way for Autism Nova Scotia Online Auction on Facebook.

The auction began May 10th and will continue through to the end of the month.

"So far it has been quite successful," Whynot reported a week into the event.

Among the items to hit the auction block are framed ties worn by Nova Scotia's chief medical officer, Dr. Robert Strang, and the former premier of the province, Stephen McNeil.

The South Shore Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia officially opened its doors in April 2009. It was formerly known as the Autism Centre Society of the South Shore (ACSS).

Its mission was to advance the personal development, equal opportunity and participation of people with autism in a safe, respectful and supportive community.

In 2012, the group joined up with Autism Nova Scotia to work together to enhance programs and services in the South Shore and support provincial initiatives. It has a satellite resource library at the Hebbville Academy outside of Bridgewater and is run by a group of volunteers and a board of directors.

Programs supported by the South Shore chapter include the resource lending library, and art, swimming and yoga activities. The chapter also sponsors three families to attend Camp Brigadoon in Aylesford, summer camp bursaries of $100 each, an adult recreation program and a grad bursary of $500 for a graduating student diagnosed with ASD who wishes to continue with post-secondary studies.

To register as an individual or a team for the Walk Your Way For Autism event, or to donate, go to www.walkyourwayforautism.ca/bridgewater on the internet.

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