Volunteer Stories
Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 - Saturday, April 29th, 2017 is National Volunteer Week. We are highlighting some of our superstar volunteers that have continued to support us through the years.
My name is Carl, I am on the autism spectrum and have been volunteering with Autism Speaks Canada for the past 9 years. Autism Speaks Canada is doing a great job in helping to raise awareness of autism and I feel happy and proud to be part of it.
Everyone here understands me and treats me with great respect and love, so I feel like I'm part of a big family.
I look forward to coming in when I'm needed. I wish Autism Speaks Canada continued success and hopefully I will be here with them for a long time.
My name is Kristyn, growing up with my older brother who is autistic, I have experienced how amazing someone with autism is and how much we can learn from them. I also understand how difficult things may be, and how tough it can be to take someone with autism on outings; or just simply receiving help that is needed.
Back in 2012 in London Ontario, I was looking for a way to help other families with autism. I came across Autism Speaks Canada, and started volunteering for their Walk events. I joined the committee and assisted with the logistics of the Walk such as; Walk route, layouts, reaching out to service providers, sponsorships, donations etc. as well as; set-up, monitoring and take-down of the event. I volunteered every year until 2015, when I moved back home to Niagara – which did not have a Walk of their own. I worked with Autism Speaks Canada and we formed a committee to create our first annual Walk, and now we just completed our third annual Walk.
I volunteer for the Autism Speaks Canada Walk events because I love seeing everyone out together having a great time in a safe, secure and happy environment. It’s a day where friends and families don’t have to worry about being judged; that people understand what they’re going through and that there is a support system available to them. It’s about acceptance, and raising awareness to others that have not yet been educated on the vastness of autism. I’m grateful to be able to be involved with Autism Speaks Canada to provide assistance and memories through the Walks within the community.
My name is Karen, I am the 2017 Ottawa Walk Chair and repeat Grand Club Member. Among many things, volunteering allows me to appreciate people more and provides a sense of accomplishment knowing that my efforts are benefiting in some way. Volunteering for Autism Speaks Canada has a special place in my heart. Ever since my nephew was diagnosed with ASD I try to get involved in fundraising events and recently, having some additional time on the side, allowed me to take on a bigger role with the ASC Walk in Ottawa. The organization does so much in raising awareness and all of its fundraising initiatives. I'm grateful to be part of it.
My name is Alianna, I volunteer with Autism Speaks Canada because there is a particular joy in being a part of something that builds people up and shows them support in their community - not only people on the spectrum and their families and friends, but also the volunteers that are on my team and in general every year. Volunteering always ends up being a win-win, and is always a ton of fun!
My name is Mary-Lynn, I love volunteering for Autism Speaks Canada as it is a cause close to my heart. In hopes of giving my time I can make a difference in spreading the word around. I have met so many interesting people and their stories but have also had lots of good laughs and fun. Most of all I have learnt a lot about autism and how educating the public is so important.
Volunteered with us in past? Tell us your stories and the reason why you support and volunteer with Autism Speaks Canada by emailing autismspeakscanada@autismspeakscan.ca