Geneva Centre for Autism Opens Ground-breaking Facility for Youth and Adults
with Autism named 'The BMO Financial Group Youth and Adult Campus'

    
    -   BMO Financial Group reinforced support of Geneva Centre with a
        donation totalling $450,000
    -   Geneva Centre officially launched its first-ever public fundraising
        campaign
    

TORONTO, April 26 /CNW/ - Top public officials, leading donors and community partners joined Geneva Centre for Autism staff and volunteers today as the leading autism service provider officially opened Canada's first specialized service facility focusing on teens and young adults with autism.

The new facility has been officially named 'The BMO Financial Group Youth and Adult Campus', in recognition of The Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation's top corporate sponsor. BMO Financial Group's past and future giving to the Centre now totals $450,000, including a pledge of $200,000 for the new facility.

The opening of the Campus is a direct response to the urgent need for services for youth and adults with autism. Considered to be among Ontario's most underserved citizens, youth and adults with autism living in the community will benefit from educational, employment, vocational and leisure training and support provided at the resource centre.

James Kelsey, President of The Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation and Senior Vice President, BMO Financial Group said:

"As an innovator in the field, Geneva Centre for Autism has always recognized that the needs of our clients do not stop as they grow older. The BMO Financial Group Youth and Adult Campus will help our clients' transition to the new and different challenges of the adult world."

Margaret Whelan, Geneva Centre for Autism's Executive Director added:

"This important partnership with BMO Financial Group reflects the joint commitment of both organizations to create successful community opportunities for individuals with autism."

With the opening of The BMO Financial Group Youth and Adult Campus, Geneva Centre for Autism officially launches its first-ever public fundraising campaign. Having raised 33 per cent of the $2.75 million total needed, the Centre is now looking to the community for their support in helping raise the outstanding amount.

For more information about the Campaign visit www.autism.net/foundation

Interviews, case studies and photographs available on request

Geneva Centre for Autism is a Canadian and international leader in the development and delivery of training, support and clinical intervention services, for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Designated by the Ontario government as a provincial autism resource, the Centre trains thousands of professional, parents and other family members each year.

www.autism.net

For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Katie Wilson, Communications Manager, Geneva Centre for Autism, tel: [phone] ext. 229, cell: [phone], e:[email protected]; Kasia Lech, Media Relations Manager, BMO Financial Group, tel: [phone], e: [email protected]