UPS Foundation helps build dreams with La Société de l’autisme des Laurentides

Blainville, February 01, 2010

$73,000 grant builds rooms for autistic children

Société de l’autisme des Laurentides announced today that The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS), will provide a $73,777CDN grant to help expand the facility for its growing population.

The Société de l'autisme des Laurentides provides support to individuals with autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and their families. The organization offers respite care and leisure activities, and aims to increase awareness of the special needs of individuals with autism.

Thanks to the UPS grant, the Société de l'autisme des Laurentides has added two rooms to its respite care facility in Blainville (Maison de répit de Blainville).  The new rooms will be designed specifically to care for autistic individuals aged five to 23 years old.

"We are very grateful to UPS for its generosity, especially in these uncertain times," said Jean-Pierre Leboeuf, director, Société de l'autisme des Laurentides. "The new rooms will provide plenty of space to let kids be kids, in the safe environment they require."

With this donation, Société de l'autisme des Laurentides is able to provide respite care to an additional 36 children and their families, in the Quebec Laurentian area. 

"Quebec is very fortunate to have Société de l'autisme des Laurentides provide assistance to individuals living with Autism and their families," said Enrica Uva, human resources supervisor, UPS Canada. "UPS is proud to contribute to this community, where we work and live."

Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation's major initiatives include programs that support community safety, non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability and diversity. The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact.

In 2009, The UPS Foundation donated US$43 million to charitable organizations worldwide. These funds benefit organizations and programs such as the Société de l'autisme des Laurentides and provide support for building stronger communities.

"UPS aims to consistently engage our employees in supporting charitable organizations worldwide," said Mike Tierney, president, UPS Canada. "Together with non-profit partners, such as the Société de l'autisme des Laurentides, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need of these important services."

UPS's grant program highlights the company's philosophy of striking a balance between financial contributions and hands-on volunteer hours. Organizations are nominated for grants by UPS employees. Each grant recipient must have benefited from 50 hands-on volunteer hours from UPS employees to qualify.