Starting August 19, the public can help support Autism Ontario by making a donation at any of the more than 620 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Donation boxes for Autism Ontario will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters until September 15.

Autism Ontario is the leading source of information and referral on ASD (autism spectrum disorders), and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. ASD is a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour. Families are connected through a network of chapters throughout Ontario. Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. Collectively, the organization provides information and education, supports research, and advocates for programs and services for the autism community. Funds collected from LCBO's donation box program will be used to support various programs run throughout the 26 chapters in Ontario, mostly staffed by parents and volunteers.

"We are grateful to LCBO, its employees and especially its customers in supporting Autism Ontario through this fundraising initiative. LCBO's province-wide store network and supportive staff enable us to raise significant funds and increase public awareness of autism spectrum disorders that affect more than 100,000 individuals in our province," says Margaret Spoelstra, Executive Director, Autism Ontario.

"LCBO is pleased to partner with Autism Ontario and provide support to a variety of worthy causes," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "Generous LCBO customers and staff improve the lives of countless Ontarians and help communities throughout the province."

Autism Ontario is one of 28 provincial, as well as numerous local charities, that will benefit from LCBO's province-wide donation box program in 2012. In 2011, LCBO raised a total of more than $6.2 million for charities through special programs and initiatives, of which $5.7 million was raised through in-store fundraising. In addition, LCBO's annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.63 billion in fiscal 2011-12, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

Autism Ontario thanks the public for its support when shopping at their local LCBO store from August 19 - September 15, 2012.

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