National Charity Puts Fresh Spin on Group Walk Fundraiser

March 19, 2009

The Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada (TSFC) announces Canada′s first ever national fundraiser for Tourette Syndrome (TS), the 1st Annual Trek for Tourette, scheduled to hit communities across the country on March 29th, 2009. TS is a neurological disorder affecting as many as one in 100 Canadian children. It currently has no cure.

Unlike pledge-driven walks or runs typically organized by charities in the late spring or summer, Trek for Tourette will see hundreds of walkers - or `trekkers′ as they′re being called - come out together dressed in boots and signature green toques on a day that averages single digits and even negative digits in some parts of the country, with potential weather ranging from snow to rain to sunshine. Participants will trek through chilly community parks, along walking trails and down neighbourhood streets in support of the need for more education, awareness and acceptance.

"We′re very aware that it′s an unconventional time of year for an event like this and that′s fine," points out Fundraising Chair Douglas Coll. "In fact, we′re positioning Trek for Tourette to be `as challenging as the lives of people affected by Tourette Syndrome, with weather as unpredictable as the disorder itself.′ The truth is that TS can be manifested in many different ways on any given day, anywhere from motor and vocal tics to obsessions and compulsions to meltdowns. So we say, the worse the weather gets, the more we will celebrate the will and determination of these kids." For over 30 years the Foundation has battled against widespread myths, misconceptions and ignorance surrounding TS through a myriad of support programs and public awareness campaigns. "We′ve always prided ourselves on the grass roots nature of our organization, but the needs of our stakeholders is outgrowing our ability to service them," explains National President Lorne Perrin. "With one in 100 kids being diagnosed with TS and often one of its associated conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it′s time we as a nation recognize that neurological disorders are mainstream and growing rapidly in the frequency of their diagnosis." To schedule an interview with an individual with Tourette Syndrome or for further information on this disorder, the event or the TSFC, please contact TSFC Executive Director Rosie Wartecker.

About the TSFC - Established in 1976, the TSFC is the only federally registered,
charitable organization of volunteers assisting individuals affected by TS and its associated disorders through programs of education, advocacy, self-help and the promotion of research.

-30-


For more information contact:
Rosie Wartecker
Executive Director
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
Phone: 1-800-361-3120
Email: rosie@tourette.ca
Website: www.tourette.ca

Click here to view our Sources Listing

Topics:

• Attention Deficit Disorders
• Brain Disorders
• Child & Adolescent Development
• Child & Adolescent Problems
• Child & Adolescent Research
• Child Psychiatry
• Children
• Children/Health
• Children/Learning or Behaviour Problems
• Clinical Research
• Community Education
• Community Health
• Community Programs
• Community Services/Children & Youth
• Family Health Information
• Fundraising
• Genetic Research
• Genetics
• Health Care in Canada
• Health Care Philanthropy
• Health Education
• Health Information
• Health & Law
• Health Policy/Children
• Human Rights & Health
• Human Tissue Donations
• Learning Disabilities
• Medical Education
• Movement Disorders
• Neurological Disorders
• Non-Profit Corporations
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Parent Education
• Parent Support
• Patient Education
• School Programs
• Schools
• Teachers' Education & Training
• Tourette Syndrome
• Youth/Health