And this year's winner is ... autism
Published Monday November 16th, 2009
Fredericton got a taste of Hollywood on Saturday night at the Oscars for Autism.
The event was organized by Autism Connections Fredericton and TD Waterhouse as a fundraiser for programs and services that help people affected by autism.
It was also an opportunity to recognize individuals who have contributed to the community by presenting them with "Oscars" of their own.
Included among the guests and award recipients were Willie O'Ree, Premier Shawn Graham, former premier Bernard Lord and Mayor Brad Woodside.
Graham said he was pleased to be able to support autism-related programs. He said the provincial government is building on initiatives introduced by the previous Conservative government.
"Bernard Lord's government did a lot of great work for autism," Graham said. "We're continuing to build on that legacy."
Lord said support for autism has always been an important cause for him, and he was happy to play a role in Saturday's gala.
"I'm not sure if I'm deserving of an Oscar, but I do feel good about being here," Lord said. "This is a cause that is close to my heart and close to my wife's heart as well."
Brian Jones, chairman of the event, said he was impressed with the huge turnout.
"This is exactly what we were hoping for," he said. "We have a sold-out house tonight."
Jones recently returned from the Sahara Desert, where he entered a six-day, 250-kilometre marathon. He used the race as a platform to raise awareness about autism and to promote the Oscars for Autism.
Jones said the marathon didn't go as he had expected, but he did successfully attract interest for the cause.
"It was a bit of a disaster," he said. "I lost eight toenails and caught a bug. I was dehydrated and had sunstroke. By day four, I had to withdraw.
"The fact that I didn't finish almost seemed to get more attention, so that was a good thing that came out of it."
Autism affects more than 1,500 people in New Brunswick. For more information about autism, and the programs and services that are available in Fredericton, visit www.autismconnectionsfredericton.com.
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NB is literally a world leader in providing evidence based services to autistic children and the people of NB as a whole deserve credit. We must focus now on those autistic youths and adults who require
what is currently lacking - a decent residential care system to provide for them when families no longer can.