On September 21st, I'm going to be running 10km of the Oakville Half Marathon in support of SOAAR (Successful Options for Adults with Autism Re-envisioned), an Oakville, Ontario organization that provides specialized day programs for adults with autism who cannot function independently. This upcoming Saturday and Sunday (September 13th/14th) I will be marathon streaming Company of Heroes and Company of Heroes 2 in order to raise awareness for this cause, and in order to hopefully raise some money as well.
SOAAR is a registered charity that was founded by my aunt, Francine Landry, and is supported by fundraising to make it affordable for families who desperately need its services. The Oakville Half Marathon is one of its major fundraisers and the goal is to raise $50,000+ from this event. This is a cause close to me as my cousin, Scott, is autistic and a SOAAR participant. Please take a moment to read his story:
Hi, I’m Scott.
I’m 23 years old.
With lots of help from my family, teachers, doctors and therapists,
I went to high school.
My brother and sister went too. They graduated, went to university and got jobs. They moved out on their own.
Not me. I still live at home with my Mom and Dad.
I can't do it on my own.
I have Autism.
After high school, there were no programs for people like me until SOAAR for Autism came along.
SOAAR for Autism gives me a full schedule of activities and helps me build life skills, interact with other people like me and participate in the community in my own unique way.
SOAAR for Autism makes me feel happy and understood. Now I belong.
I bet you know someone like me because my doctor says that 1 in 94 have Autism - More than all other developmental disabilities combined.
Won't you help us SOAAR?
Simply tuning in to my stream this weekend is more than enough to show your support. But if you feel inclined to support my effort financially, I would be eternally grateful. You can find my pledge form here. Minus a small processing fee, all of the proceeds go directly to SOAAR, and any Canadian citizens who pledge over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
Again, thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope to see you this weekend!