FAQ
General
1. What is Walk YOUR Way for Autism NS?
The Walk is an annual event to raise awareness and funds for much-needed autism programs and services in communities around Nova Scotia.
Walk YOUR Way for Autism is held in regions across Nova Scotia, and all funds raised remain in the regions where they were raised to support local programs in that area.
2. How Do I Register?
Walk YOUR Way for Autism is Autism Nova Scotia’s largest community fundraising event. Now more than ever, we need your support in order to offer services and programs to our community.
You have 2 choices when you register:
- You can pay your $20 registration fee and you will receive this year’s limited edition Walk YOUR Way for Autism t-shirt. Please be sure to complete your transaction of payment to receive your t-shirt. Only paid t-shirts will be ordered from East Coast Lifestyle. Thank you for your understanding.
- You can choose not to pay the $20 registration and not receive this year’s special addition Walk YOUR Way for Autism t-shirt and wear one from a previous year, make your own, or wear something of your choice.
Please Note: Any additional t-shirts that you order will cost $20. You will need to pay for these when registering. The Walk YOUR Way website takes Credit Cards ONLY, unfortunately Debit is not available at this time.
3. When Will I Get My T-Shirt?
When you register, you will choose the size of the shirt(s) that you need, pay for it upfront, and you will have an opportunity to pick up your t-shirt(s) at event day in June. There will also be opportunities for early t-shirt pick ups. Please stay tuned for information per Walk location.
4. How Long is the Walk?
Typically, the Walk routes can range from 1K to 5K and walk distances will be different at each location.
Registration
1. How Do I Register?
You can register online as an individual or create your own team. You can even join a team that someone else has created. If you create your own team, you can easily register other people as part of your team if they can't do so themselves (i.e. if they are children, or don't have a computer). You can also send them an email invitation to join your team. The new online registration system makes it easy!
2. Do I Have to Register to Participate?
Everyone who wants to Walk YOUR Way for Autism NS must register. You will choose your registration option when you register. This includes children and youth. Registration information can be found on this website. You can register as an individual, or as a member of a Team. Everyone who wants to participate and receive a special edition Walk YOUR Way for Autism NS t-shirt must pay the $20 fee at registration.
3. I Have Not Registered Online, But I Want to Walk YOUR Way for Autism NS. Can I Register on Event Day?
Because this is an in-person event, we ask that everyone register prior to the day of the event to allow for planning.
4. Who Do I Contact If I Am Having Trouble Registering?
Each Walk region has its own coordinator who will be able to help you with registration questions. You can find your coordinator's contact information on your location page.
Fundraising
1. How Can I Fundraise for Walk YOUR Way?
We have created some great resources for you on how to reach your fundraising goals. Check out our Fundraising Tools page!
You can print off a pledge form or download a virtual form to share online and ask the people you know to support this great cause. Let your donors know that the funds you raise will stay in your region to support local autism programs and services.
Wherever possible, we encourage you to ask your supporters to give online rather than with cash or cheque. You can ask them to donate through your fundraising page on our website, or you can fill in their information on your pledge form and arrange to receive their donation by e-transfer, mail, or by drop-off. Unless specifically requested, tax receipts will be issued for cash/cheque gifts over $20 only.
2. How Do I Submit My Offline Pledges?
You may write a cheque to Autism Nova Scotia for the total amount of the cash you received*, pay with your credit card*, or go to a local bank and get a money order*, and mail to your Chapter with any other cheques and corresponding pledge sheets. You can also submit and collected cash to your local chapter.
*Please note that you will not receive a tax receipt for this payment – tax receipts will be sent to the qualifying supporters on your pledge sheet.
In-Person:
If it is impossible for you to submit your offline pledges in any other way, you may bring your pledge sheets and any cash or cheques when you pick up your t-shirt(s).
IMPORTANT:
Please make sure your full name, Team Name, and contact information are included on the donations and pledge forms you submit.
Remember to include your supporters’ full name (or company name if the donation is from a business and complete mailing address in order to receive a tax receipt). We suggest putting everything in a large Ziplock bag and clearly writing your info on the outside. Sharpies work very well!
3. Where Do I Find My Printable Pledge Form?
When you register, you will see a section on your screen that says FORMS. Click on the Pledge Form and print. You can also download a pledge form under "Fundraising Tools."
If you need further assistance getting your form, please contact your location's Walk Coordinator.
4. Can I Enter Cash and Cheque Pledges and Donations So That They Show On My Thermometer?
Yes! Just log in and you will find the option to add your cash and cheque donations and pledges online. You will see your thermometer level go up, and you will help your Walk coordinators and volunteers to save time entering data after the Walk. Thank you for entering your own cash and cheque donations and pledges!
Tax Receipts
1. Will I Receive a Tax Receipt for My Donation?
All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt unless otherwise requested. Donors who give online will receive an automatic tax receipt via email. Tax Receipts for offline donations will be sent out after the event. Donations under $20.00 will not receive a tax receipt unless specifically requested. Registration fees do not qualify for a tax receipt.
PLEASE NOTE: You must submit a pledge form containing all cash or cheque donations with at minimum: full name and mailing address of each donor, how much they gave, and whether they request a tax receipt. If any of these details are missing, a tax receipt will not be sent out. To save costs of paper and postage, where possible please include an email address where their receipt can be sent.
2. What If I Made an Error in My Donation?
Please contact your Walk location's Coordinator, contact us at walk@autismns.ca, or call our office at 902-446-4995.
Teams
1. How Many People Can Be on A Team?
Teams can be as large or small as you like - so ask your friends, neighbours, families, and co-workers to Walk the Walk with you! Team registrations for all walk locations are easiest to do online. Please register in advance as this will help us to prepare the best Walk Day possible for you!
2. How Do I Invite People to Be on My Team?
When you register your team online, you can send invitations to your friends, family and other contacts right from your team page that you create for the Walk. They can accept your invitation from the email that they receive. You can also share your team page on your social media pages and direct people to join your team that way. It's as easy as that!
Dogs
As an inclusive event, please know that only service dogs are allowed at the Walk. We take into consideration the autistic community who require a support animal while remaining mindful of any concerns regarding service dogs on the premises.
