Inaugural Edmonton Capital Region Walk Now for Autism Raises Over $153,600
The inaugural Edmonton Capital Region Walk Now for Autism took place on Sunday, September 7 at Lions Park in St. Albert, Alberta. More than 1,500 enthusiastic attendees, from 81 walk teams, raised over $153,600.
September 7 not only marked the inaugural Walk, but also Grandparent's Day and a number of honoured birthdays. Noted autism researcher Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum celebrated his birthday at the Walk, blowing out the candles on a hockey cake with fellow celebrant, thirteen-year-old Sean Ryan of team “The Ryan Express.” Dr. Zwaigenbaum thanked the walkers for supporting autism research in Canada.
Chandelle Rimmer, mom of six year old Brenan Hamel, who is non-verbal, sang “When You Say Nothing At All” to give him a voice. She also sang the Canadian National Anthem to kick off the Walk.
Even though a federal election was called the morning of the walk, Mike Lake, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, took time off
September 7 not only marked the inaugural Walk, but also Grandparent's Day and a number of honoured birthdays. Noted autism researcher Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum celebrated his birthday at the Walk, blowing out the candles on a hockey cake with fellow celebrant, thirteen-year-old Sean Ryan of team “The Ryan Express.” Dr. Zwaigenbaum thanked the walkers for supporting autism research in Canada.
Chandelle Rimmer, mom of six year old Brenan Hamel, who is non-verbal, sang “When You Say Nothing At All” to give him a voice. She also sang the Canadian National Anthem to kick off the Walk.
Even though a federal election was called the morning of the walk, Mike Lake, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, took time off
Jaden Lake, son of MP Mike Lake and top individual fundraiser, serves as honourary flag bearer.
Highlights from the Edmonton Capital Region Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
from the flurry of election activity to honour his son and the rest of the autism community. The proud father of Jaden, a twelve-year-old boy with autism, Lake thanked the crowd for their passionate support of the Walk. Jaden, the top fund raiser going into the Walk, served as an honourary flag bearer, carrying the Canadian flag. Sharing this honor with him was the Merrick family of Team Josh, who presented the Autism Speaks flag. Top fundraising team Step by STEPP held the Walk banner. Additional community support was shown by His Worship, Mayor Nolan Crouse, the Mayor of City of St. Albert, and the Edmonton Chief of Police, Mike Boyd and his wife Margo, who attended the Walk.
Dorine Kielly, special events and public relations representative for Smitty's Restaurants in the Edmonton area presented a cheque for $6,000 representing the proceeds of its month-long puzzle piece campaign, which took place in 11 locations around the Edmonton Capital Region.
The resource fair showcased seven booths, including Dogs with Wings, Children's Autism Services of Edmonton, and Autism Research Centre (Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital). Our thanks go to community supporters Children's Autism Services of Edmonton, which ran the children's activity area, and the Autism Society of Edmonton and Area. Both service providers greatly assisted in promoting the Walk to families. Today's Parent magazine graciously served as a national media sponsor. Special thanks to key volunteers Nick Dimovski, Angela Cobick, Marci Henschel, Sarah Seymour and Mike Lake for making the inaugural Edmonton Capital Region Walk such a success.
Visit the Edmonton Capital Region Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Dorine Kielly, special events and public relations representative for Smitty's Restaurants in the Edmonton area presented a cheque for $6,000 representing the proceeds of its month-long puzzle piece campaign, which took place in 11 locations around the Edmonton Capital Region.
The resource fair showcased seven booths, including Dogs with Wings, Children's Autism Services of Edmonton, and Autism Research Centre (Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital). Our thanks go to community supporters Children's Autism Services of Edmonton, which ran the children's activity area, and the Autism Society of Edmonton and Area. Both service providers greatly assisted in promoting the Walk to families. Today's Parent magazine graciously served as a national media sponsor. Special thanks to key volunteers Nick Dimovski, Angela Cobick, Marci Henschel, Sarah Seymour and Mike Lake for making the inaugural Edmonton Capital Region Walk such a success.
Visit the Edmonton Capital Region Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Sean Ryan, who celebrated his 13th birthday on Walk day, with mom Jackie and dad, Andrew.
Members of top fundraising team Step by STEPP lead walkers on 3k walk route.
Team Captain Velvet Martin and Team Milan signing in at registration.
Josh Merrick and the members of his walk team, Team Josh, honourary flag bearers of the Autism Speaks flag.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
