Volunteer with ASO
We simply can’t do it without you!
ASO is a volunteer-driven organization that depends on volunteer support to help us fulfill our mission and provide services.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, gain new experiences, meet new people, and make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with Level 1 ASD.
What would I be doing?
This depends on your skills and interest, and would also be determined in consultation with ASO Board of Directors.
How you can assist is contingent on the limits of your imagination!
Currently, ASO has a variety of volunteer opportunities for you to consider:
Participation on our Board of Directors
Design and distribution of publicity materials
Help build our Resource Database and keep information up to date
Encourage friends, neighbours, and businesses to donate items or services for a fundraising auction
Help with planning and organizing events
Writing and editing press releases, publicity materials, website information
Assistance with ASO’s annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge fundraiser
Spread the word about our organization and our cause, and encourage others to support our fundraising efforts.
What qualifications do I need?
All you need is an interest in Level 1 ASD, a desire to help our organization, and a few hours that you can donate on a regular basis, which will be agreed upon in collaboration with ASO.
How much time do I need to donate?
The amount of time depends on your area of interest and expertise as well as the needs of ASO. Some volunteers choose to donate up to 20 hours a week. Some, donate a couple of hours a month. We also have volunteers who help out occasionally, such as with the planning of special events.
How do I become a volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering please email us at info@asontario.org and indicate how you’d like to help!
Ways to support ASO
There are many ways to support ASO in our mission to help individuals diagnosed with Level 1 ASD reach their full potential.
All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
Online Giving
Visit our online donation page to make a one-time donation using PayPal or credit card, or to set up a monthly donation.
Offline Giving
Make an offline donation by calling us at (416) 651-4037 or emailing info@asontario.org
Payroll Giving
ASO has a United Way number which allows people to make donations to us through payroll deductions. That number is 8297401. Talk to your HR Department about United Way payroll deductions to support ASO.
Tribute Giving
There are times in all of our lives when we want to honour someone special. By giving a gift to ASO, you can express feelings of admiration, gratitude, friendship, love, or sympathy. Pay tribute to a relative, friend, or colleague who has passed. Mark a birth, graduation, wedding, or anniversary. Say thank you to someone for touching your life. Celebrate a teacher’s dedication.
To make a Tribute Gift, visit our online donation form and provide the necessary dedication information, call us at (416) 651-4037 , or email info@asontario.org.
Corporate Giving
Engaging your employees in support of ASO is a great way to boost company morale and team spirit – keys to happy employees!
Cause Marketing
Cause marketing is a collaborative effort between a for-profit company and registered charity. When your company donates time or money to an important cause it shows your employees, customers, and the general public you care. This may be achieved by providing ASO with a percentage of sales on certain days or encouraging employees to join one of our fundraising initiatives like supporting us in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge.
Facebook Fundraising
For your next birthday, anniversary, or major milestone, set a goal to fundraise on behalf of ASO, and invite your Facebook friends to celebrate with you. They receive a tax receipt for their donation, and of course they get to show you how much they appreciate and support you.
Donations can also be made on behalf of your company using our online donation form.
FUNdraising
Fundraising is a great and fun way you can help support us!
Not only are you helping raise funds, you’re also helping to raise awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism in the community, and to us that’s even more important!
Get creative! Every Dollar Counts!
100% of your contribution will go directly towards the ASO InfoLine and to building our Resource Database.
Auctions
- Auction off tickets to a sporting, music or theatre event
- Auction off a prime parking space at work
- Auction off a half or whole day off from work
Bake Sales, BBQs, Breakfasts – oh my!
- Host a bake sale – make it fun by incorporating a theme (beach treats, movie theme etc.).
- Prepare and sell a BBQ lunch at work, school or in the community. Local grocery stores are often willing to partner with community groups for fundraising BBQs.
- Host a pancake breakfast at school, at work, or in the community.
- Organize a spaghetti supper, or a chilli cook-off.
- Ask a local restaurant to give proceeds from a special menu item (or from certain tables in the restaurant) to the ASO.
Tournaments & sports challenges
- Organize a hockey, golf, bowling, basketball, or baseball tournament
- Set up challenge matches between individuals, groups or departments. Charge an entry and admission fee
Get creative, get active, get giving!
- Gather up some books and organize a book sale at work, school or in the community
- Gather up some books and organize a book sale at work, school or in the community
- Craft Fair – get creative! Sell homemade items with proceeds going to the ASO or apportion a percentage of sales from artwork, homemade jewelry or other small business items to the ASO.
- Bowl-a-thon – get some friends together and have fun while raising funds for the ASO!
- Comedy Club – ask a local comedy club to partner with you to put on an evening of comedy with ticket sale proceeds going to the ASO
- Dance Party – How about a sock hop? A glow dance? An 80’s rock party?
- Raffles/draws for donated items from local businesses (dinner for two, movie or sports event tickets etc.,)
- Flower/plant sale
- Photo shoot! Grab a camera and take fun photos for a small fee.
- Casual day at school or work – collect contributions for dressing down for the day.
- Movie day/week at work or school – show a fun movie during lunch hour and charge admission to colleagues, students, and friends, to watch while eating their lunch.
- Clean up with a car wash – a fun and clean way to raise funds; or have a dog wash – our furry friends need cleaning too!
- Bottle drive – help the environment and the ASO by collecting beer/wine bottles and donating the proceeds from the refund.
- Organize a garage sale with proceeds going to the ASO. Get your neighbours involved! Make it a street sale or neighbourhood sale!
- Instead of loot bags at your child’s next birthday party, make a $5 donation to the ASO for each child in attendance. Create autism awareness and acceptance by explaining to the kids where the donation has been made and give them a certificate so they feel proud that they’ve contributed to an important cause.