A local long distance runner will kick off the fundraising effort for the Northern Interior Autism Society it was announced Thursday at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park.
Matija Tiani, who has worked with children on the autism spectrum for the last decade, has committed to run 10 km a day, six days a week during the month of October, as five local businesses pledged to sponsor her efforts by donating $1 for each kilometre she runs.
The goal is to raise $5,000 for the local society.
Tiani ran the Amazing Marathon in April and did some fundraising for Autism Speaks where John Brink contributed to the cause at that time.
Then they reconnected for the most recent fundraising effort since fall is Tiani's favourite time of year to run it was a perfect continuation of her fundraising efforts.
"This is my opportunity to give back and I love those little kids and working with them so I'm super grateful to be doing this," Tiani said.
Jamie Rivard, a director on the board for the local autism society, was brought to tears when she recently heard the news of the fundraiser that is also open to all community members to walk in their neighbourhood during the month to raise funds as the ninth annual Autism Awareness Walk was postponed in April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rivard has two children and each are on the autism spectrum so this fundraising effort is very dear to her.
She heard the news about the fundraising effort when John Brink from Brink Group called her.
"I was bawling in my basement because that's where I work now," Rivard said.
"I'm just so thankful that we're doing something. My heart is full."
The five businesses who are the major sponsors are Canadian Western Bank, Rivers Edge Services, North Side Auto Sales, Certified Labs and the Brink Group of Companies.
There is a GoFundMe account where the public can contribute funds for Northern Interior Autism and for those who wish to raise awareness through social media use #ActiveForAutism.
For anyone with a child on the autism spectrum Rivard invites them to reach out to the local society for support. For more information email jamie.rivard@live.ca.
