Meet Michael. Michael has been volunteering his time to Autism Speaks Canada twice weekly for nearly two years. Born in Brooklyn, he received an Honours B.A. from Brooklyn College in 1961. Moving to Toronto in 1970, he worked as a marketing and media researcher while freelancing as a classical music journalist and broadcaster. He continues to contribute to music magazines in Toronto and Montreal.
“Both of my grandkids, Lily, 17 and Darwin, 15,” says Michael, “are on the autism spectrum. I love them dearly and visit them regularly. They’re the reason I was eager to offer my services to Autism Speaks Canada’s mission.”
Michael has a long history of volunteerism, including with Operation Lifeline (the campaign sponsoring Vietnamese refugees), Pollution Probe, Huntington Society of Canada, Young People’s Theatre, the Humanist Association of Toronto, the Green Party (he was a provincial candidate in 1999) and the Canadian Music Centre.
In June 2018, Michael began serving two shifts a week at our head office to manage and update our database of constituents. Every day Michael comes to our office, he helps increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
Michael is a globe-trotter and has visited over 50 countries around the world. To commemorate each trip, he adds a unique souvenir to his collection of international keepsakes. This collection is quite the conversation starter! He loves to recount travel stories to anyone who asks.
We thank Michael for his dedication to Autism Speaks Canada and individuals with autism across Canada. Thanks to our volunteers, we are able to make Canada more inclusive and kinder for people with autism and other disabilities.