Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Leading Autism Service Provider to Open
Ground-Breaking Facility for Youth and Adults

TORONTO, April 16 /CNW/ - Geneva Centre for Autism will officially open a new autism resource centre on Monday April 26, 2010. The centre will be Canada's first specialized service facility focusing on teens and young 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.

BMO Financial Group, which led the way in the first-ever public fundraising campaign held in support of the centre, will be recognized for their trailblazing gift to help fund the new building.

    
    WHO:

    -   The Hon Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services
    -   The Hon Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, MPP
        for St Paul's
    -   Senator Jim Munson
    -   Alexandra Dousmanis-Curtis, Senior Vice President, GTA Division, BMO
        Bank of Montreal
    -   James Kelsey, President, Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation and
        Senior Vice-President and Head of Corporate Finance, BMO Financial
        Group
    -   Margaret Whelan, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Autism
    -   Matt Green, Youth and Adult Centre client

    WHAT:

    Autism Awareness Day:

    -   Donor recognition ceremony
    -   Unveiling of the building's new name
    -   Celebration barbeque
    -   'The Autism Journey' tour of the facility

    WHEN:

    Monday, April 26, 2010, at 11:15 am

    WHERE:

    224 Merton Street, Toronto (Two blocks south of Davisville)
    Free parking available at 30 Merton Street
    

From 10:00 until 12 noon take part in 'The Autism Journey', a family's experience of learning to live with this complex neurological disorder. Discover the challenges, hopes and dreams of young people with an ASD and join us as we celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Centre volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

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]