Colin Wood has been involved with the Walk the Walk for Autism in Pictou County since it first began here in 2012. Every year the support has grown and this year was no exception.
More than 600 people took part in the event and raised in excess of $79,000, which will be used to help fund programs and activities for people with autism in the community.
“We had a tremendous day,” Wood said, as chair of the walk. “It exceeded our expectations.”
He said that every area of the fundraiser has grown not only with the number of participants but also with the sponsorship and the active members throughout the year.
They had 102 volunteers including the eight-person executive who helped make the day a success.
“You just can’t put on an event of this scale without volunteers,” Wood said. “We’ve been fortunate to have great volunteer support over the years.”
He believes a large part of what’s made it successful is the growth of the Autism Nova Scotia – Pictou County Chapter itself. They’re continually growing in numbers and this year opened a new autism resource centre in Bridgeview Square which has allowed them to expand their services.
He said the walk was started in Pictou County in 2012 by a group of families including his own who were looking for support with the challenges associated with autism. His son Connor was diagnosed at three years old and like many people Wood went searching for information on how to help him and for others facing similar challenges.
“We got together and decided we could try to do some things for our kids or maybe we could make a difference for many more.”
At that first walk they had 112 walkers and raised $12,000.
He said it’s rewarding to see how it’s grown and how they’re able to help people now.
Their support group meets the first Tuesday of every month and he loves seeing people who walk in with frustrations leaving feeling they have the support and resources they need.
“They have hope,” he said.
Some examples of the programs offered in Pictou County are music therapy sessions and swim lessons. All the programs are offered for free to families.
