First GetActive 4 Autism event raises more than $75,000
Funds will support ISAND pilot program for young adults
TORONTO, ON (November 1, 2017) — With the help of generous donors, supporters and more than 100 participants, the inaugural Get Active 4 Autism event on Sunday, October 22 raised more than $75,000 to support the development of a pilot program at Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), aimed at helping young people as they transition to adulthood.
“We are thrilled at the success of Get Active 4 Autism,” said Jennifer Koffman, Event Chair and ISAND Board member. “As a mother of a teenager with autism, I am concerned about the scarcity of support available to young adults with autism once they leave secondary school. ISAND’s planned pilot program gives me hope for the future of these young people.”
The vision for ISAND’s program is to support young adults living with autism as they prepare for the next stage of their lives, whether it be work, volunteering, or other activities. By providing opportunities to develop independent living and job skills, strengthen social and communication abilities and much more, the program will assist each young adult to reach their potential and become productive, contributing members of their families and communities.
“Get Active 4 Autism would not have been possible without the generosity and enthusiasm of many donors, supporters, participants, fitness instructors, volunteers and Harmony Fitness,” said David Gray, ISAND Executive Director. “The funds raised bring us a step closer to realizing this next important step in developing our program.”
Get Active 4 Autism supporters include Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation, Ali Lubin, Harmony Fitness, Margaret’s Legacy, Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brian, Laura, Ethan and Noa Wise, Martha and Stan Wise, Magen Boys Entertainment, Ilana and Anton Rabie, Mr. Case, Forest Hill Orthodontics, Fujifilm, Proprint Services Inc., Samuelsohn, Metro, and Burnac Produce Ltd.