Media advisory and photo op – Cheque presentation to groundbreaking Toronto-based autism organization ISAND

June 28, 2018 – TORONTO, ON – Small business lender iCapital achieved another milestone this quarter: their community fundraising campaign in support of autism surpassed every other campaign they’ve undertaken to date, totaling $24,379.28. The company presented the cheque to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Canadian organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof. 

This is the fourth year that iCapital has made a donation in support of autism; the third year supporting ISAND. In recognition of the impact the funds have had on ISAND, Executive Director David Gray surprised the iCapital team by revealing that the centre is naming a therapy room to recognize their generosity. “We were completely taken off guard and overwhelmed by the gesture,” said iCapital representative Diane Capobianco. “We run this campaign because we feel it’s important to be charitable and support the community that supports us. This gesture ISAND made is incredibly thoughtful. It’s really meaningful too all of us.”

The ISAND room has been donned “Anthony’s room” after the teenager who has been the face of iCapital’s campaigns. At 19 years old, Anthony has been an ISAND client for the past four years. This year he addressed the 130 people at iCapital’s sold-out fundraising event. All eyes were on him as he described his experience at ISAND, and the skills they have been teaching them.

Anthony’s aunt Diane Capobianco works at iCapital. Six years ago when the iCapital team was discussing which charitable organization they would donate to that year, Diane told Anthony’s story. “There are so many worthwhile causes, but this one really resonated with the team. Almost everyone here has a connection to someone with autism. We decided to put our money toward small organizations where $10,000 or $20,000 would make a big difference.

“iCapital was our very first corporate donor,” recounts David Gray. Gray recounts that when iCapital approached them about their plans to run a private fundraising event back in 2015, ISAND was in need of donations to help pay for operating expenses and keep the doors open. Since that time, other organizations have started their own campaigns for ISAND, helping it to grow.

iCapital has already started planning their 2019 event, which will be a “bigger, better version of this year’s cook-off,” says Capobianco. Their fundraising goal is bigger too: $25,000. This would bring their five-year total raised for autism to over $100,000.

About iCapital

iCapital is a leading small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used–it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges. The customer care team work directly with business owner to determine which of the two funding options is best for the client.

To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with ISAND to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.

About ISAND

The ISAND team of medical, psycho-social, educational and vocational experts is committed to a model of integrated service delivery, as an alternative to the costly, fragmented, ad hoc system that leaves individuals and family members searching for professionals and programs and facing untenable wait lists and sequential gaps in services over time. ISAND is a coalition of highly trained and experienced professionals dedicated to offering comprehensive, coordinated, innovative and evidence-based approaches to treating and managing Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 

December 7, 2015 – TORONTO, ON – From today until December 18, 2015, when Canadians #givealatte (forgoing their morning latte in favour of making a small donation) they’ll be making really big difference to Canadian families who are trying to access autism support.

Small business lender iCapital has launched its second annual #givealatte campaign with the promise of matching every dollar donated up to $10,000. This year the funds raised will be given to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Toronto-based organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof. iCapital is aiming to surpass the $20,100 raised through #givealatte in 2015.

While most Canadians are aware of autism and know families affected by it, the difficulty to access services is lesser known. Healthcare coverage varies from province to province and there are months-long queues to access programs. For kids and teens with autism and their families, negotiating the system is extremely challenging. Not to mention the financial strain it places on many.

"iCapital’s #givealatte could result in the most funds ever raised for ISAND through a single initiative," says ISAND's Executive Director David Gray. "The funds will help pay for ISAND therapy, camps, programs that help young adult transition into the working world, family support and basic infrastructure and centre supplies. What’s really special about our organization is we offer a continuity of services, so families have all their health providers working collectively to support not only their children’s needs, but the families’ wellbeing as well."

This campaign is inspired by Anthony, the gentle, affectionate, happy 17-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco from iCapital. Earlier this year Anthony and his family discovered ISAND and have been inspired by the organization. Over the past two months, Anthony has been working with his health worker to learn how to manage everyday activities such as riding the subway. What seems a simple task, paying a TTC fare, standing behind the yellow line and traveling a longer distance, are often learned skills for people with autism.

Anthony and iCapital want to help other families experience the phenomenal ISAND programs that have helped Anthony build his social skills and engage with the world around him.

“Available programs decrease the older a child gets. Once Anthony graduates from high school there are very few programs available for him. But with support and training, Anthony and many people like him, can be an active, contributing member of our community and workforce,” says Anthony’s mother Tina. “That is what brought us to ISAND. Initially we were intrigued by the young adult programming, but as we have become familiar with the centre we have been inspired by the full spectrum of services and integrated care tat everyone receives.  It really is an inspirational place.”

The #givealatte campaign is important for raising funds, but it’s also valuable for boosting awareness of autism and ISAND. People’s knowledge about children with autism is great thanks to the efforts of a number of wonderful organizations. But fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. And rarely do people consider the strain autism puts on families. iCapital is hoping their effort will inspire people to learn more, talk with their friends about autism, and spread the word on social media.

To learn more about Anthony and iCapital’s #givealatte campaign, please visit: