The team at Autism Initiatives are dusting off their trainers once more for its annual fundraising campaign Walk for Autism, which returns this coming March.
The charity hopes to make it the biggest one yet in its five-year history when participants from up and down the country walk 10,000 steps per day for the eight days between March 26th and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd.
Last year, the campaign’s participants collectively walked over an impressive 194 million steps and raised more than £621,000, making it their most successful year to date. The money raised goes towards helping individuals with autism while supporting autism projects in the UK & Ireland that encourage the pursuit of specialist interests, promote physical activity and help autistic adults and children learn and develop every single day. People on the Autism spectrum often face communication difficulties, which is why initiatives such as Integrated Treatment Services are more than welcome, but getting there requires guidance, support and resources.
Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is especially important to us as we have seen first-hand how much it can improve peoples’ lives; not just with the money raised but for all those who take part. Our aim is to create a wonderful community of likeminded people who are passionate about autism and believe they can make a difference.
“These past two years have been tough for everyone, and walking has been proven to help with mental wellbeing, which is just another positive reason to get involved. Walkers can complete their steps at any time and in whatever way suits them; whether it’s walking the dog, stepping on the treadmill or conquering a long-distance hike. It’s important to remember that each and every step counts so even if you can’t get out and about steps around the garden or even around your home will all contribute. You can track your steps easily using a pedometer or smart phone apps to make sure you’re hitting your target. The concept is simple, but the rewards are huge.”
For this year’s theme of ‘We Walk for Autism’, Walk for Autism is encouraging people to do their walking with friends and family. Walkers can sign up on the charity’s website and begin their fundraising straight away, with the charity providing helpful tips on the fun and varied ways to raise money. Those who sign up and pledge an upfront £20 will get a Walk for Autism t-shirt to assist in their fundraising, as well as a tutorial on how to create their very own homemade confetti canon using household items to celebrate their completion of the challenge.
Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland each year and it’s vital that we continue to help as many of those people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”
Walk for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group who have been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across the UK and Ireland for almost 50 years.
Get involved here.
