Supporting Inclusion Through Every Step: Autism Ontario at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

This May 23 and 24, supporters of Autism Ontario will take to the streets of the National Capital Region as part of the Desjardins Charity Challenge at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Now in their third year participating, Autism Ontario continues to raise funds and awareness to ensure individuals with autism and their families have access to meaningful support, information, and connections throughout every stage of life.

Among the many teams participating this year is the YMCA of the National Capital Region Child Care Team. Their efforts build on Autism Ontario’s vision of ‘Best Life, Better World, Making Autism Matter’, following the organization’s annual ‘Celebrate the Spectrum’ campaign in honour of World Autism Day.

For the YMCA team, participation is rooted in a deep commitment to inclusion. As Alanah Pletch, Manager at Churchill YMCA Child Care, shares:

“I am racing for inclusion because, at the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we believe that belonging is a right, not a privilege. For a child with autism, inclusion means more than just having a spot in a room. It is about being seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are. We race to ensure that every child, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the support they need to lead, play, and grow alongside their peers.”

That impact is felt firsthand by families in the community. Claira Calderone, a parent of a child in YMCA Child Care, reflects on her experience:

“As a parent of a child with ASD, sending my son to daycare for the first time felt like letting go of my breath. There were so many unknowns. Would he be understood? Would he feel safe? Would he belong? From the very beginning, the YMCA Taggart team met those fears with compassion, patience, and genuine care. They did not just look after my child. They took the time to truly know him, to understand his needs, and to support him through every transition.”

“That kind of care is everything. It is felt in every goodbye that becomes a little easier, in every smile at pickup, and in the reassurance that your child is not just included, but genuinely valued and supported.”

Autism Ontario is grateful for the support of the YMCA of the National Capital Region Child Care Team, as well as all participants and donors contributing through the Desjardins Charity Challenge.

You can help build a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with Autism and their families during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and beyond. Whether through learning, advocating, or supporting organizations like Autism Ontario, each step contributes to meaningful, lasting impact.

Support Autism Ontario and their work by donating to their JustGiving campaign page or register for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and fundraise for their cause!