Filipino fashion show in Ontario raises awareness, funds for autism | TFC News Ontario, Canada
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As the world marks Autism Awareness Month in April, more than 70 mothers from diverse backgrounds walked the runway for a fashion show fundraiser for autism awareness in Scarborough, Ontario.
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I've always been passionate in promoting the welfare of our children, especially the children in the autism spectrum.
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I'll be joining again the Miss Earth Canada and I hope all the Filipinos, not just here in Toronto, but the whole world can support me.
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I support you and your autistic children, especially in the autism world.
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Autism is a condition that affects millions globally. Many of those with it often encounter discrimination and are misunderstood by society.
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The fashion events organizer Margie Dose is a passionate advocate for autism awareness.
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Her first had the experience being a parent to a child with autism.
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It led her to establish the Global Advocacy for Autism Awareness group or GAFA.
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I experienced that my daughter is struggling to find her friends and she cannot socialize with others.
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As a mom, it hurts.
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So I was thinking after that, like, why I cannot do this?
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Like, you know, to be a voice or to have this.
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It's like this is my advocacy when I was in the budget.
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Then here we go with the Circle of Friends help.
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Margie shared her journey as a mother advocating for her daughter Christina
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who was chosen as the ambassador for GAFA and works as one of the runway models.
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She believes in empowering children with autism
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and encouraging them to showcase their talents and skills.
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I feel good that I am representing the autism awareness for other kids out there.
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Find some friends who would accept you for who you are
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so they can help you to be yourself, to be easy with them.
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Both professional and non-professional models came together for this fundraising event
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and jointly walked the ramp.
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The highlight of the event was the showcase of Muslim costumes and Filipinana dresses.
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The fashion show also featured male models with autism
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who proudly walks the runway in traditional Barong Tagalog attire.
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I feel good. It's great.
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He's extremely talented. We're so proud of him.
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Of course, myself as a sister in our family.
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He's very multi-talented.
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So he can model, he can dance, he loves to sing.
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And we just want him to be happy in life and have those experiences.
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President of the Ontario Association for Behavior Analysis
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emphasizes the need for early intervention for children with special needs.
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He also stresses the importance of having a community that supports them and their families.
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Just let your communities know that people, regardless again of their ability or disability,
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can thrive, that they can be members of our community.
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And by doing so, you are opening the door for future generations to do the same.
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People here in our group, as from Global Advocacy for Autism Awareness,
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we are to stand here in behalf of autistic children.
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We would like to fight. We are the voice for them.
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The proceeds from this fundraising event will go towards GAFA's autism awareness programs
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which seek to provide support for families in need.
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Education workshops will be organized to spread awareness and understanding about autism
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to ensure that no one feels isolated or alone in their journey.
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Jossie Dine Reyes, Sambilay, ABS-CBN News, Toronto.
