Donations | Incentives/Fundraising Rewards | Matching Gifts  | Registration
Resource Fair | Sponsorship | The Day of the Walk | Volunteering | Walker Tools

Donations

Do I have to send in my donations? Can I bring them with me to the walk?
While you can always bring your donations to the walk, it is preferable that you mail them in as soon as you can to:

     Autism Speaks Canada
     1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
     Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9

What if people want to give me cash?
It is safest and best for record-keeping that you convert all cash received to cheques or money orders. If you are able, the safest option is to send a personal cheque covering the full amount, along with the corresponding donation forms, to Autism Speaks Canada.  We will be able to credit your friends and family for their generosity.  If this is not possible, you can also always bring the cash donations and appropriate donation forms to the walk.

Can I use my credit card to record a donation made by someone who wants to support me so that the donation will appear immediately on my webpage?
It is best NOT to do this as the system will recognize you as the donor and issue the tax receipt in your name. The best way to do this is to send a personal cheque covering the full amount, along with the corresponding donation forms, to Autism Speaks Canada.  We will be able to credit your friends and family for their generosity.  If this is not possible, you can also always bring the cash donations and appropriate donation forms to the walk.

What if my donors don't want to donate online?
You can always have your donors mail their donations directly to our national office:

     Autism Speaks Canada
     1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
     Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9

Please have them submit the corresponding donation forms with their cheques so you will be credited for your fundraising efforts.  If this is not possible, please have them indicate which walk they are supporting and your name on the memo section of the cheque.

Do I have to fill out one donation form for each cheque?
Yes.  This is the best way to ensure that you receive the credit you deserve for all your fundraising efforts.

Can I continue to collect donations after the walk?  Where do I send the cheques?
Absolutely!  Please mail donations with the appropriate donation forms to:

     Autism Speaks Canada
     1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
     Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9
   
Will the money turned in at the walk show up on my web page and my donation report?
Absolutely.  If the corresponding donation forms were filled out and submitted along with your donations at the walk, then you should see your fundraising efforts reflected on your web page and donation report within four weeks of the event.

I turned in a packet at the walk and do not see all the cheques processed yet?
Walk Now for Autism will be conducting more than 75 walks around North America in 2009, along with countless other fundraising events, all of which must be processed.  All donations to Autism Speaks Canada should be deposited, processed and posted to your web page within four weeks of the day of the event.  If a month or more has passed and you still do not see your donations on your web page, please contact Autism Speaks Canada by e-mail at autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.

How long will it take before the cheques I mailed show up on my page?
Please allow four weeks for your donations to be deposited, processed and posted to your web page.

Where do I get donation forms?
Donation forms can be printed from each participant's individual webpage.   The link (make a donation offline) is just under your goals.  

Can I enter donations received via cash or cheque to my webpage?
There is no way to enter these yourself.  To see these appear on your webpage as quickly as possible, please send all donations directly to:

     Autism Speaks Canada
     1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
     Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9

Please submit the corresponding donation forms with cheques so you will be credited for your fundraising efforts.  Once processed, the donation will show on your webpage.

Are donations tax deductible?
Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. Donations of $20 and over will be issued an official charitable tax receipt. Autism Speaks Canada is a registered charity #869420209 RR0001.

Who should cheques be made payable to?
Please ask your supporters to make cheques payable Autism Speaks Canada.

How will my donation to Autism Speaks Canada appear on my credit card statement?
Depending on the credit card, it might be listed as Kin*, Kintera, or KIN* AUTISM SPEAKS

Are there any additional fees in addition to the donation amount?
There are no transaction fees incurred by the donor. If you want to donate $100.00 you will be charged $100.00. If any additional fees are indicated on your credit card statement please contact Autism Speaks Canada at 1-888-362-6227 so that we can work to address this issue with you.

Incentives/Fundraising Rewards

Are fundraising incentives going to be available in 2009?
Our participants continue to tell us they want to ensure that as many dollars as possible raised through Walk Now for Autism go directly to provide critically needed research and family services. We have listened and we agree. Autism Speaks Canada is suspending its Walk Now for Autism premiums (fundraising incentives) starting in March 2009.

Walkers and donors will know that more of their pledges are having a direct impact on our mission.

Matching Gifts

What is a Matching Gift?
Matching Gifts are great and easy ways to increase your fundraising totals. Often companies will provide anywhere from 50-100% match of whatever was donated to an employee or by an employee. In some cases, proof of  donation or participation is required. If so, please contact Autism Speaks Canada for assistance with any paperwork 1-888-362-6227 or autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org

I think my company matches.  How do I get this started?
Every company handles its own matching gift program differently.  Please contact your company's Human Resources department for instructions on how to double your fundraising efforts through matching gifts.

I don't know if my company does matching gifts.  How do I find out?
Please contact the Human Resources department at your company and inquire if they have a matching gift program.

Registration

Should I start a team or join as an individual?
 If you have a friend or family member joining you, please start a team.  If you are attending alone, please join as an individual.

Should I register my kids?
 Yes, please register everyone who will be attending (even toddlers in strollers).  This helps us plan for the day of the event.

I have a family member who wants to join my team but may not be able to attend the walk.  Can they still join my team?
 Yes, family members can still support you by joining your team and fundraise as a team member even if they are unable to attend.

Can I start a team with 2 people?
 Sure.  There is not a minimum requirement for team size. 

Is there a fee to participate?
 No.  There are no registration fees, but we encourage each person to reach out to their friends and family for support.

What is the cut-off to register or join a team?
 You can register online up to the day of the event.  Please have everyone register as early as possible to give us a good headcount so that we can plan for a better event.  Registration is also available on site the day of the event.  

Some of my family would like to come, but not walk.  Do they need to register?
 Please make sure to register each person that will attend (even if they do not walk).  It helps us know how many people to plan for.

If I am registered, do I need to do anything else to be pre-registered?
 No, if you are already registered online, you are all set.

Resource Fair

What is the Resource Fair?
Our Resource Fair is made up of booths for local service providers who are there to talk to you and your family about products and services offered.

I know a local service that would be a great fit for the Resource Fair, how do I get them involved?
We are always looking for new information for our participants. Please talk to them about the event and ask them to visit the walk website to learn more about the Walk Now for Autism program.  They can click on Resource Fair to learn more about becoming a vendor, some benefits and filling out an application.  Once the application is received, a staff person will reach out to them.

Booth Vendor Questions:

• Face painter
• Bean bag toss
• Coloring books
• Playdoh table
• Bubbles (please check with us for venue rules and regulations)
• Arts and crafts projects
• Carnival style activity
• ** We can help you come up with an activity.

Can I get a booth with electricity?
Depending on the restrictions of the venue we may offer booths with an electrical connection for an addition fee. If electricity is an option at the event(s) in which you will be participating it will be part of the registration form.

Sponsorship

Is Corporate Sponsorship tax deductible?
Funds given in exchange for sponsorship deliverables may be tax deductible. Please check with your company's accounting and tax experts to get an accurate accounting of what can be declared charitable and what is a business expense. Autism Speaks Canada is a registered charity #869420208 RR0001.

Can sponsorship money be credited to a personal or corporate team?
Funds earmarked to a personal or corporate team are considered donations. Corporate donations credited to a team cannot be double booked as sponsorship and do not qualify for sponsorship deliverables.

For questions regarding sponsorship or starting a corporate team please e-mail autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.

The Day of the Walk

Are pets allowed at the walk?
Sorry but, pets are not allowed.  Many affected children have a fear of animals and even the sweetest pet could negatively affect another participant.   Please be sensitive to this issue and leave your pets at home.  Only service dogs are permitted at the walk.

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed at the walk?
 Yes.  Strollers, wheelchairs and even wagons for the little ones are all welcome.

Are bikes, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards allowed at the walk?
For everyone's safety, we can not allow any of these items.

I may not make it to the walk when Check-In/Registration opens.  Can I arrive late?
 Yes.  Check-in will be open until the walk ends.  Please go directly to the check-in area when you arrive.

How much do I need to raise to receive a t-shirt on Walk day?
Volunteers will distribute t-shirts to those walk participants who have turned in a minimum of $150 through walk day (both pre-event and day of event donations will be counted).

If I don't pickup my t-shirt at the event, can I get one mailed to me?
To reduce costs, ensuring that more dollars are directed to the mission of Autism Speaks Canada, t-shirts will be available on walk day only and not mailed to participants who are unable to attend the event. Autism Speaks Canada will do its best to ensure that those participants who are receiving shirts will receive a shirt in the size of their choice. However, when this is not possible, another size may be substituted.

What happens if it rains on the day of the walk?
 All walks will be held on the date scheduled "rain or shine".

What do I need to bring with me on the day of the walk?
 If you received a check-in envelope in the mail, please bring it with you on walk day. Donations, along with a donation form for each, can be placed inside.  Seal the envelope and bring it with you.  You can save time on walk day by sending in your donations ahead of time.

If you register within 2 weeks of the walk, we may not have time to send you an envelope.   If you have donations, please place them, along with a donation form for each, inside of any envelope and ensure your name, your team name and contact information is on the front of the envelope.

How do I find my supporter ID number?
There are a few ways to find supporter ID numbers for yourself or for your registered family members.  If the suggestions below do not help, please contact us at autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.
     1. When you register, you will receive an email to confirm your registration.  Your supporter ID number will be listed in this message.  
     2.  From your webpage - click to open the Offline Donation.  The link is listed just under goals.   The ID number is listed in the top corner under the participant's name.
     3. On your personal webpage - your ID number is at the end of the URL.

Volunteering

Can I volunteer and participate in the Walk?
Absolutely. There are many volunteer opportunities that will allow you to do both. Just let us know by contacting us so that we can plan accordingly  1-888-362-6227 or autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.

I want to volunteer with a team of family members/friends or colleagues.  Can I only register myself online and bring everyone else the morning of the walk?
It is preferred that all volunteers be registered so that we know how many volunteers to plan for and what areas need to be covered.

Can I get a community service sheet for the hours that I volunteer?
 Yes.  At the end of your volunteer shift, please go back to the volunteer tent and speak to the Committee or Staff member in charge.  We have forms available on letterhead that can be used.

What time should I arrive and where should I go?  
 All registered volunteers will receive an email about a week before the walk with detailed information (directions, parking, where to go and what time be there, etc.).   

Walker Tools

Thank you for registering for the Walk!

Get started now! Download the following materials to jumpstart your fundraising efforts!

Donation Form - A donation form ensures that donations are properly credited to your account. A donation form needs to be completed for EACH donation. To print out your pre-populated donation form, log into the Walk Event. Once logged in, you will automatically be in your Personal Headquarters. Next, click on Tools and then Print Donation Form.

Donor Tracking Form - Use this list to track your donations as they are received. This will provide you with a quick reference when it comes time to acknowledge your donors. This is for your records only.

Participant Instruction Booklet - Everything you need to get started with you fundraising including sample letters, fundraising tips and website FAQ's.

Some other tools you may find useful:

Fundraising A to Z - Download tips on other fun ways to fundraise.

Team Captain Booklet - Do you want more information about what it takes to be a team captain? It's not too late to start your own team even if you've already registered!

Benefits of Corporate/Organizational Team Participation - Here are some reasons to start your own team at work/school!

• Letter to Recruit Employees to your team
• Sponsor Letter

 A quick and easy way to reach your goal is by writing letters! Need Help?

• Fundraising Tips - How to get started
• Family Team Letter - Sample

 For any questions or concerns, please contact Autism Speaks Canada at 1-888-362-6227 or autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org