Most people are familiar with the term autism, but they don’t really understand that much about it. That’s why events like Float with Us for Autism is so important. Seen above is not your usual parade, but the collection of floating devices were led across the water in front of the crowd on shore who cheered them on. Tinkess Photo

IROQUOIS – Most people are familiar with the term autism, but they don’t really understand that much about it. That’s why events like Float with us for autism, which took place on Iroquois’s Galop Canal on Sunday afternoon is so important. Sure, it is a chance to raise some funds for a very good cause, but even more so, it helps to educate people about what autism is and why much more funding is needed to help families that often have to deal with it alone.

According to Autism Ontario, the prevalence of autism in Ontario varies depending on the age group studied, but recent data from a 2019 survey suggests approximately 2.1% of children and youth (ages 1 to 17) are on the autism spectrum, or about 1 in 50 individuals in that age range. This rate indicates there were roughly 42,000 children and youth with autism in the province at that time.

This is the second year for Float with us for autism, an event organized by Candice Latulippe. It is a big undertaking: The day starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs till around 5:00 p.m. There are a lot of different free activities, and there were several vendors, craft and food vendors, a quiet and sensory tent and a 50/50 draw and silent auction.

The big part of the day, however, is the opportunity to float in the canal. For those who want to participate, there is a fee of $25.00 per floater or per family

“We started last year to raise funds to create awareness about autism in the community,” said Latulippe.  “Because a lot of people that have children with autism have no idea where to go, what programs are out there, and so we have vendors set up with information. But it’s also to make the public aware of what Autism is because a lot of people don’t understand.”

“They’ll all float in the area,” added Latulippe. “We try to fill the bay with everybody, and this year we’ve added canoes and kayaks.”

Also new this year, there was a cardboard boat race. People were asked to create a boat out of cardboard. There’s a $100 fee for families, which will include their entry to float, as well. It is $200 for corporate entries, and there’s prizes for first, second and third, plus the most creatively decorated boat, the best boat.

It should be a lot of fun, but Latulippe says that basically it’s just an awareness event, just a way to get information out there.

“Last year we raised we raised funds that we used to purchase the sensory equipment, for the local playground, right? Because a lot of our playgrounds don’t have any of the sensory equipment for the children with autism. So, all the funds we raise go back into the community. We’re adding a second piece of sensory equipment to the Haldane Park this year, with the funds that we raise from this year’s event.”

For many of the people in attendance, it was the first time they had been on this side of the Galop Canal, which seems to be a well-kept secret. “Isn’t this gorgeous,” said Latulippe.  “Last night we were setting up, there were people from Quebec here that were had come up to go fishing, and they didn’t know about the event today.

Mother Nature chose to lend a helping hand as well, ensuring the rain fell early in the morning and providing a warm, sunny afternoon. Those who were in the water were obviously having a great time.

When you sit down after the event, there are always thoughts of what could have been done differently or what would have worked better, but judging by the expressions of the people and that $5,324.60 was raised, the day would have to be considered a success.