It wasn’t a direct connection, but a sense of Canadian responsibility that inspired Jonathan Howard to set out on a cross-country trek in support of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
“Almost” halfway done, he made a stop in Orangeville Wednesday.
“Business, social and government leaders must come together on all levels to bring about strategy and move forward toward a solution, and taking those steps of having services there for children and families that deal with ASD on a daily basis,” he said.
Howard began his adventure, dubbed Run The Dream, in St. John, Nfld. about four months ago and plans to wrap it up 8,500 kilometres and 10 provinces later in Victoria, B.C. this December.
Along the way he hopes to raise $2.5 million in donations to support charities that work with children with ASD and their families.
“I thought it was not too much to ask. It works out to about 10 cents per Canadian,” Howard said.
On behalf of the Town of Orangeville, councillor Mary Rose presented him with a $500 contribution.
“It’s a major achievement, I think, for anybody to be able to do something like that,” she said of the cross-country initiative. “We are very delighted you could stop by.”
Joining Howard from Ottawa to Winnipeg, Man. is two-time Canadian Para-Olympian Terry Robinson, who is afflicted with Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around.
“I was fortunate in achieving some of my goals, and acting on one now. I believe that everyone has a right and ability to achieve whatever goals they set,” Robinson told a crowd of well-wishers at Orangeville town hall.
“As a person with a disability, I can appreciate and understand how important it is to have the support services available, and awareness.”
Michael Pallett, vice-president of the Dufferin chapter of Autism Ontario, praised the pair for their efforts and their dedication to raising awareness.
“Together we can surely accomplish more than by standing alone,” he said.
“You’re going all across Canada, joining people all across the nation, whether they’re touched by autism or not.”