• Free therapies and social service programs
• Fostering meaningful relationships between volunteers and children/youth impacted by Autism
• Raising awareness of Autism in the larger South Asian community

To continue with our efforts we need continued support. Our LAMP (Lifetime Annual Membership Plan) program is an opportunity for those looking to help SAAAC maintain our innovative model of operations – teaching communities to respect and help individuals with Autism. Visit http://saaac.org/donate/lamp/ to learn more.

We are there for them because you are here for us. Light a LAMP for Autism today. 

Specifically his inspiration came from SAAAC’s old logo, “I’d like to think I just refined that logo to seem more modern and relevant. The site takes its cues from this new logo: it’s colourful, playful and doesn’t have corporate overtones.” Pras’ eye for detail and design enabled the new SAAAC website to become relevant and inviting all the while keeping in mind the overall goal– engaging those looking for information regarding Autism and our organization. Pras says, “The site is geared to transmit as much information as possible about Autism and the organization. From the main page slider, to the oversized buttons, to the call out in red pointing to the fabulous FAQ’s section, everything was designed to engage the visitor.”

SAAAC is and will always be a testament to the powers of contribution and collaboration. It is through the act of giving and sharing that has allowed our organization to make such meaningful strides in the community with regards to providing support for Autism. Pras serves as an exemplar to the power of contribution and collaboration. His creativity, hard work, and dedication resulted in a seminal work that will not only serve a local community, but that will also be a meeting point for South Asian families from across Canada and the globe to learn, discuss, and discover about Autism.

A note from Pras

To those families/caregivers impacted by autism, I hope this website will be a helpful resource that will give them the information they seek and avenues to take action. There is so much to learn and there are great people to guide them in their journey. In particular, I’m hoping that those in the South Asian community impacted by autism will recognize the prevalence of the disability in our community and have the courage to seek guidance.

Thanks,

Pras

I still remember the very first fundraising event hosted by SAAAC at the Ontario Science Centre. It was an intimate crowd, with around 200 supporters and families.  Having witnessed the organization grow over the past few years, I realized words cannot describe what this organization does for its families. How do you reflect the day-to-day activities the volunteers and staff engage in to support this population?

To answer this question, I decided to do a photo documentary over 3 days of different therapy sessions. From music, dance, art and speech sessions to the relationships that are built between staff/volunteers and the participants, these photographs are a glimpse into an organization that is changing the way we see autism.

SAAAC wants to express our deepest gratitude to the very talented Vipoositha Gnanenthra (endearingly called Vipoo around these parts). Her project wonderfully illustrates the power of community, creativity, and the resolve of committed individuals. In the near future, we will be holding a photo exhibition to display Vipoositha’s complete project with SAAAC.  See more of her works at Ovyian photography (www.ovyian.com). Thank you once again Vipoositha.

Radiant Night 2012 was a night to remember: the joy of small victories, the hope that is tomorrow and the excitement of community celebration elegantly packaged into one event. There is no need to repeat the night’s agenda as it has already been done (View Article on Monsoon Journal) but the heartfelt gratitude SAAAC has towards a community that stands behind it cannot be repeated enough.

Serendipity means a “happy accident” or “pleasant surprise” this is symbolic of SAAAC—a dance instructor/ accountant starting an organization that serves children with ASD; an organization with volunteers from backgrounds in Political Science and Medicine as well as English and Finance; families with different religions, cultures and worldviews all meeting together in a temple basement. This beautiful mess that is SAAAC was reflected eloquently at Radiant Night through the human collage of entrepreneurs, government representatives and a thousand plus members of the South Asian diaspora in attendance. It was a happy accident because no one needed to be there—yet they came and were delighted by the others they met who came with the same intention in mind. All of these sojourners on the road less traveled came with the simple intention of supporting a worthy cause and by doing so contributed in some small way to raising a child. And for this—the beautiful mess that is SAAAC is indebted to the beautiful chaos that is our community.

If there was a name for our proverbial village Serendipity would be it. 

Scarborough, ON ~ March 6, 2012 ~ March 3rd marked a watershed moment for the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC) as they held their annual Radiant Night: Gala Dinner & Dance. The newly constructed Scarborough Convention Centre accommodated the night’s festivities, which attracted over 1200 guests. The purpose of the evening was to raise awareness surrounding Autism in the South Asian community along with raising funds to support SAAAC’s therapies and social service programs. The organization serves over 40 families by providing easily accessible and discipline-rich management for Autism and related developmental disorders. Geetha Moorthy, founder and Executive Director of SAAAC, was overjoyed at the success of the evening, “Nights like these are important because they illustrate the support and engagement of the community, including countless volunteers and committee members who give their time. Their contribution goes a long way to help the families and the great children we serve. With support like this we can help children with Autism realize their gifts. Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.” 

Talented emcees Manjula Selvarajah and Shanthan Sivapalan presided over the night’s festivities, which saw a host of notable speakers, performances and visual spectacles provided by Butterfly Squad. The key note address came from Kannan Sinniah whose teenage daughter is impacted by Autism. His account brought awareness of the personal struggles parents and caregivers deal with regarding the challenges posed by the disorder. Honest and engaging, Kannan’s address set the tone for what would be a night of hope and celebration. The night also saw an award presentation to the children and adolescent youth of SAAAC. Each individual was given an award to highlight their contribution, creativity, and participation in the SAAAC family. 

One of the key highlights of the night was the launch of SAAAC’s LAMP (Lifetime Annual Membership Plan, http://saaac.org/donate/lamp. LAMP was created as another means for supporters to continue to contribute towards SAAAC’s therapies and social service programs and ensuring these programs remain free and accessible for the families they serve. The plan is a call for the continued community participation and support in order to keep SAAAC services sustainable and accessible to any and everyone. 

The event would not have been possible without the heavy contribution of key business and community leaders which included the Hon. Rathika Sitsabeisan (PM, Scarborough Rouge River), Minister Brad Duguid (MPP, Scarborough Centre), Bas Billksson (MPP, Scarborough-Rouge River), Mayor Frank Scarpetti (Town of Markham), Councillor Logan Kanapathi (Ward 7, Town of Markham) amongst others . Individuals and organizations such as Christine Williams from Scotiabank, Sorkkam, IWI Consulting Group, All Saints University, Vince Sinnadurai from CIBC, Cashpoint, VMS Travels & Tours and Dr. Shivajan Sivapalan were instrumental in making Radiant Night a possibility. “The beauty of tonight, amidst the size of the crowd and the class of the hall, was that a parent and their child with autism, a student, a young professional, someone from the temple, an office worker, a VP or a minister could all partake in an event together. A community-run organization, as our founder put it, held a community attended event. Autism, and the children and families who live with it, are not something to be managed off to the side. It, like all of our challenges, is to be shared and celebrated by everyone. Radiant Night reminds us that this is not a chore – it’s an honor. Thank you community” stated Jonathan Bertram, SAAAC Board President as he reflects on the importance of ongoing community of supporters.

The night was capped off with live music presented by Sampath/Showcase and the DJ services of DJ Smoove. The festivity continued into the night with people of all ages, connecting and celebrating as a community. This was the goal of Radiant Night, to bring together an entire community to create change and celebrate hope for those families and individuals impacted by Autism. Ultimately, the success of the event will go a long way to help sustain, support, and develop the efforts of SAAAC in 2012.

Media inquires / Interview requests: Shanthan Sivapalan (Media Relations), Geetha Moorthy (CEO and Founder) and Jonathan Bertram (Board President)

Tel: 416-843-1023
Email: shanthan_sivapalan@gmail.com / info@saaac.org
Web: www.saaac.org

*Additional photos are available upon request

What: SAAAC’s Annual Fundraiser – Radiant Night 2012

Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (+1 day)
6:00 p.m. Interview Opportunities

Place: Scarborough Convention Centre
20 Torham Place, Scarborough, ON, M1X 0B3

Who: CEO and Founder of SAAAC Geetha Moorthy
SAAAC Committee/Organization Members and Volunteers
SAAAC Families and Friends

Geetha Moorthy, accompanied by other SAAAC Committee Members and Volunteers will be present and will be available for interviews.

About South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC)

A registered non-profit organization that was initiated in 2008 sparked by the urgent need for awareness and support to overcome stigmas in the South Asian community surrounding autism and related disorders. SAAAC provides unique services geared towards individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the South Asian community:

• Alter perceptions via culturally sensitive social networks.
• Create awareness of recent finding on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disorders.
• Highlight treatments, interventions, funding and resources available in the community.
• Support intellectual, social and physical development of our participants raising their self-esteem and confidence
• Facilitate psycho educational workshops for parents and present the bio-psychosocial ramifications of ASD and related disorders.
• Advocate for parents at schools and other institutions where language may be a barrier

Find out more www.saaac.org. Non-Profit # 1785226

Media inquires / Interview requests: Shanthan Sivapalan (Media Relations)
416-843-1023 info@saaac.org

310 – 80 Acadia Avenue Markham, ON L3R 9V1 Tel: 416-824-8847 www.saaac.org

 Last year’s Gala attracted over 750 people while raising $70,000. This year we are on track to another sold out event with a record number of 1000+ guests, including some of the most prominent figures in health, politics, education and entertainment. Our pursuit to strive further is driven by the ever expanding needs of our community and countless number of families still requiring the services and programs we offer. With support from our media partners such as you, we look to raise greater awareness amongst our community of valued supporters in our campaign for hope for the families impacted by ASD.

Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012

Time: 11:00 a.m. Press Conference
12 Noon Reception and Interview Opportunities

Place: Markham Civic Centre, Canada Room
101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, ON, L3R 9W3

Who: CEO and Founder of SAAAC Geetha Moorthy
SAAAC Committee/Organization Members and Volunteers
SAAAC Families and Friends

Geetha Moorthy, accompanied by other SAAAC Committee Members and Volunteers will be present and will be available for interviews.

About South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC)

A registered non-profit organization that was initiated in 2008 sparked by the urgent need for awareness and support to overcome stigmas in the South Asian community surrounding autism and related disorders. SAAAC provides unique services geared towards individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the South Asian community:

• Alter perceptions via culturally sensitive social networks.
• Create awareness of recent finding on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disorders.
• Highlight treatments, interventions, funding and resources available in the community.
• Support intellectual, social and physical development of our participants raising their self-esteem and confidence
• Facilitate psycho educational workshops for parents and present the bio-psychosocial ramifications of ASD and related disorders.
• Advocate for parents at schools and other institutions where language may be a barrier

Find out more www.saaac.org. Non-Profit # 1785226

Media inquires / Interview requests: Shanthan Sivapalan (Media Relations)
416-843-1023 info@saaac.org

310 – 80 Acadia Avenue Markham, ON L3R 9V1 Tel: 416-824-8847 www.saaac.org

We look to thoughtful and community minded individuals such as yourself to help our organization spark hope and create positive change for South Asian families impacted by ASD. Aside from the invaluable support your sponsorship would provide the children and families we serve, there are also a number of advantages for you to take part in this sponsorship opportunity:

Exposure of your brand/product/service to the 1000+ expected guests attending

• Radiant Night 2011 attendance: over 750
• Multimedia Equipment at event: 10 projection screens, state of the art 5.1 Surround Sound

Access to an underserved South Asian demographic
(largest visible minority in the GTA)

• Over 800,000 South Asians in Ontario; majority residing in the GTA
• Excellent marketing & networking opportunity

Public/Media recognition as a community minded-business

• Age of corporate responsibility
• Socially responsible companies are being favored more and more

Your support can make the difference our community needs for a better tomorrow.