Against the backdrop of the gorgeous mountains and ocean which frame the lower mainland of Vancouver, site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Inaugural British Columbia Walk/Run Now for Autism raised $270,000. This Walk, along with earlier walks in Edmonton Capital Region and Ontario, and the AAA Golf Tournament in Kelowna, put fundraising totals for Autism Speaks Canada well over the $1 million mark for 2008.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, more than 3,500 people attended the Walk, held at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia. Although it rained for days leading up to the Walk, bright skies prevailed for the event. Toques, fleece and gloves were needed for early morning check-in but after Sarah Pennington of Great West Fitness led the walkers in warm-up exercises, everyone was ready to walk/run!

Global BC news anchor Chris Gailus served as the Walk's emcee, where entertainment was plentiful.

Some of the youngest members of top team, Harmony House, lead walkers out of Swangard Stadium.

Proving that the Walk is truly a family affair, Barry Johnston (grandfather of Nick Apostolopoulos, whose parents helped chair the Walk) and his band, Geri and the Atrics, performed for attendees. Also, volunteer Jennifer Bullock performed a beautiful rendition of “O Canada.” Cory Rodgers, wide receiver of BC Lions football club signed autographs at Autism Speaks Canada booth and was joined by the Vancouver Canadians' Bob the Brown Bear, the Vancouver Canucks' Fin and the BC Lions' Leo the Lion. Attendees also enjoyed the resource fair, which featured 15 participating companies and organizations including Canucks Autism Network, Autism Community Training and Pacific Autism Centre.

The Walk was led by top fundraising teams Team Harmony House and Friends of Nick, who carried the Walk banners. Top individual fund raiser, Laurie McLaren of Team Carter, carried the Autism Speaks flag and members of Team Autism Community Training carried the Canadian flag.

Throughout September and October Global BC aired Public Service Announcements, and broadcast live on Walk day, providing interviews and coverage. Radio station 94.5 The Beat provided pre-event promotion and an on-site van with music and 24Hours also served as a media sponsor. Special thanks to Ventana Construction who not only sponsored the event, but also greatly assisted with set-up and breakdown. Happy Planet provided organic juice and Aquazone Water brought water and hot chocolate for the walkers. Special thanks to Walk Chairs John Carinha and Claire and Dimitri Apostolopoulos.

Visit the British Columbia Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.

Walk co-chair John Carinha and his inspiration, Brandon