Michelle Lane has made effective learning a reality among those living with autism, but what can you do to help?
As founder of Lane Montessori School for Autism (LMSA), Michelle Lane has provided a glimmer of hope for Danforth residents affected by autism. Lane’s groundbreaking methods combine traditional Montessori teachings with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) techniques which have been proven to reap highly beneficial results among autistic children. Lane was awarded the Premier’s Award in 2005 for creating this program (see video below):
Even though LMSA has relocated to Toronto’s Beach area, the school is still very much a part of the Danforth community. But now that LMSA no longer holds charitable status, families are left paying tuition costs with no help from the government. This is why LMSA and those affected by autism within the Danforth community need your help more than ever. Here are 5 fun and easy ways for you to help out and raise money for autism:
1. Get your community involved
Rally together your friends, neighbours, and co-workers and start your own autism awareness fundraiser. Have fun while raising money by hosting backyard contests, sporting events, pot-luck lunches, 50/50 draws, barbeques, or garage sales and donate profits to your local autism awareness centre, or to a family who could use help with tuition costs at LMSA. To see how local Danforth residents organized their own Bocci tournament for an autism fundraiser, read Joe Cooper’s article at insidetoronto.com.
2. Go for a walk
Get in a little exercise and raise money at the same time. This June, Autism Speaks Canada will host the 4th Annual Ontario Now Walk for Autism at Nathan Phillips Square where all proceeds will help to fund research on causes and cures for autism. Grab a group of friends and join a team, register as an individual, or sponsor a walker at walknowforautism.org.
3. Go shopping
Want to be fashionable and help out a good cause? Autism Speaks has released a new line of products from bathrobes to baseball hats that are designed to raise awareness and funds for autism. So check out their online store and start shopping!
4. Get out there
Centres like Autism Ontario are always on the look-out for an extra pair of helping hands with everything from administration to fundraiser coordinators. If you have time to give, contact Autism Ontario or visit autismontario.com to find out how you can volunteer.
5. Give a little
Autism awareness organizations are grateful and appreciative of every and any donation. To donate online, visit CanadaHelps.org, or donate through the United Way. To get even more bang for you buck, see if your company has a Matching Gifts program; many workplaces will offer to match any donation that you make.
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