Message from Chase (Boy in ad, has autism)
When my mom told me I was going to be in a commercial, I was very excited! On the day of the commercial shoot we went to a park in Toronto. I found the experience to be lots of fun, especially since I’m interested in the field. The cameraman let me check out his camera, it was so cool. After that I had to go to the recording studio. It was another enjoyable experience. They showed me the commercial and had me repeat lines until they liked the way it sounded. Overall it was a great experience and I can’t wait to see it on T.V.
- Chase M.
Message from Laytrel (Girl in ad)
I am a typical child, who has been fortunate enough to be cast in an upcoming TV Series in 2008 called The Weight; a feature film called Repossession Mambo that will be released in 2009. This year I was also accepted as part of the NBA Raptors Dance Pack and will be performing in the 2007-08 session. These opportunities do not make me better then anyone else. I like to donate my time, and when I do, I feel that I've helped someone and had a positive impact. I think we all need to choose to have an impact on our community by contributing to it.
- Love, www.Laytrel.com
Message from Sharpe Blackmore
Since its inception, more than a decade ago, Sharpe Blackmore has always supported charitable initiatives. When agency Executive Creative Director Paul McClimond was told about Together for Autism by Ron Harrison, a long-time social acquaintance, Paul asked for more information. Watching the videos and reading the literature that Mr. Harrison provided was a moving experience for everyone at the agency. Agreeing to offer help to Together for Autism was an easy decision. Developing the work and seeing it to fruition, in partnership with the staff and volunteers at Together for Autism, proved a uniquely rewarding experience.
- Paul McClimond, V.P. Creative Director – Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
- Peter Sellers, Senior Writer – Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
- Rea Kelly, Senior Producer – Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
- Francesca DeRose, Senior Producer – Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG
Message from our Co-Chair
Friends Coming Together for Autism
Due to a friendship dating back to the early 70s between Paul McClimond, Vice President and Executive Creative Director of Sharpe Blackmore Euro RSCG, and I, Together for Autism was able to produce its first ever PSA for the 2007-08 Campaign.
Upon reading the minutes of our annual Campaign strategy meeting, Paul saw an opportunity for his company to help Together for Autism spread the word about autism research and awareness to a wider Ontario audience. The result of Paul and his company’s creativity and the talents of many other contributing agencies, is the fine commercial you see presented on this website.
Without Paul’s vision, this PSA would not have been possible. I want to give our deepest thanks to Paul, Sharpe Blackmore EURO RSCG, and to the many talented individuals and companies who contributed to such a moving PSA that I’m sure will help attract many more our cause and our Campaign.
Thanks must also be extended to Chase Maddigan who is the star in our PSA and who was also featured in our education video, What Do You See When You See Me. Chase’s smile and genuine enthusiasm helped to make this an exceptional PSA. We were also very fortunate to have a young girl donate her time and talent. Many thanks to Laytrel for bringing her enthusiasm and helping to make this a success.
This project reminds me that, if we reach out and ask, good in people will shine through. By helping Together for Autism produce this PSA our friends have helped us to further our campaign in raising awareness in our schools and communities and in raising much needed funds for autism research.
On behalf of the Together for Autism Committee and all Ontarians with autism that this will help, I thank you!
- Ron Harrison, Co-chair, Together for Autism