ASD United Prescott-Russell returns this year with the Flotilla for Autism Awareness to raise funds for Autism Ontario, Eastern Region.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 23 (rain date is the following day), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Ottawa River, between the sand bars stretching from L’Orignal to the Carillon Dam. For a third edition, the Flotilla regroups boats – including pontoons, and personal watercrafts – in a group ride. The fun, family event raises autism awareness and supports Autism Ontario, East Region.

Back for 2022 is the Scavenger Hunt on the water, where participants scavenge for clues and collect points to compete with the others involved. There are prizes to be won and a ton of fun to have for those participating.

“The funds help local residents with children on the Autism Spectrum to fund activities, events and respite care,” says co-organizer Nicole Taylor, a mother with an autistic son who’s also involved with fundraising for the main oversight committee of the Eastern Region of Autism Ontario.

The Flotilla is part of a trio of events linked to the cause and is supported by many platinum-level sponsors : Maximum Powersports, Sylmar Auto Ville, ALX Designs, Place 19-67, Le Chardo Resto-Bar, Lamoureux Gardens, Scott’s L’Orignal, Théorêt & Martel Insurance Brokers, Chamberland Building Movers, Golf Hammond, Vankleek Hill Chiropractic Center, Jennifer Keogh, VKH Plumbing, Sports Experts and Hawkesbury Ford. Many other Flotilla sponsors will be added shortly.

“We really appreciate the growing support in our region,” says co-organizer Paul Taylor Sr, Nicole’s husband.

All watercrafts are welcome to join. For advance registration in order to get a Scavengers Package (map, list of clues and fun things to do during the day), participants are invited to visit the event’s website at www.ridesforautism.ca and to contact the organizers via their Facebook group (@FlotillaForAutism), or call Nicole and Paul Taylor Sr at 613-371-4440.

There is no entry fee for the event, but donations may be made payable to Autism Ontario Eastern Chapter and will be accepted on day of the event as well.