April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and to mark the day the Autism Society of Prince Edward Island is partnering once again with D.P Murphy Inc to promote education, awareness and fundraising on that day.

As part of the awareness efforts around World Autism Awareness Day the Autism Society of PEI is partnering with D.P. Murphy Inc. From Tuesday, March 31st, 2015 to April 2nd, 2015, staff at all of D.P. Murphy’s 22 Tim Horton and Wendy’s locations on Prince Edward Island will be asking customers to consider purchasing a puzzle piece for $1 to help raise awareness about World Autism Awareness Day. All proceeds from the event will support ongoing programming and services by the Autism Society of PEI for Islanders living with Autism.

“World Autism Awareness Day is a day created by the United Nations to raise awareness about Autism around the world. Autism is a global challenge that touches families and communities around the globe. Today hundreds of Island families are living with Autism with more cases still undiagnosed and untreated. We’re pleased to have such a community minded local business as D.P. Murphy partnering with us and we’re very thankful to Danny Murphy and the staff for their support,” says Jeff Himelman, President of the Autism Society of Prince Edward Island.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder affected by genetic and environmental factors, characterized by problems in communication, social development and behaviour. Over 200,000 Canadians and more than 35 million people worldwide are directly affected by Autism.

Research shows that approximately 1 out of every 68 new children born will develop some form of Autism and that new cases are diagnosed at a rate of one every twenty minutes. Research also shows that effective early diagnosis, early intervention and appropriate treatment and support services can have a significant positive impact on the quality of life of individuals with Autism and their ability to contribute to society.

Join us on March 31st-April 2nd to raise awareness and new light on Autism Spectrum Disorders! Get out and purchase your puzzle piece from any Tim Horton or Wendy’s location across Prince Edward Island. Your support is invaluable!

Thank you to D.P Murphy for their ongoing partnership and support! This campaign is a wonderful recognition of World Autism Day and we are so grateful for their ongoing commitment to help us highlight this day! Please remember, to purchase a puzzle piece you will need to make a cash donation whether in store or at the drive thru! And as well, we all know that Tim Horton’s and Wendy’s are extremely busy businesses so if you are not asked to purchase a puzzle piece, kindly take a moment to notify the staff to let them know you want to purchase a puzzle piece and remind them how important this initiative is to the Autism Society of PEI, our families, and our members and to thank them for helping to highlight World Autism Day! Be patient and help educate the staff to let them know that by asking customers to purchase puzzle pieces they are assisting in shining a light on Autism Spectrum Disorders! Now help us spread the word of this great campaign!