Making an impact in Nova Scotia

It started with an email from a colleague who shared a personal story with her business unit about her son for Autism Awareness Month, and soon this story galvanized people across the Firm. Colleagues shared personal stories, family experiences, and a conversation began around continuing to foster an environment of belonging. 

The personal stories resonated with teams and inspired a $20,000 donation to Autism Nova Scotia, an organization that strives to create a world where autism is understood, accepted, and everyone is living their lives fully. At an event to kick off for the Greater Purpose Program in May of 2022 in Halifax, our colleagues were able to learn more about the organization as well as hear from those who have autism or whose family members are autistic. 

“I was diagnosed as having high functioning autism at a young age, but I didn’t understand it until I was much older,” says Ryan O’Neal, a senior accountant in our Assurance Services practice and former member of our Leading Inclusively Advisory Committee. “I didn’t have the support, and I was kind of all alone. So, I’m glad there are organizations like Autism Nova Scotia to provide that support and those services.”

Approximately 1 in 66 children and youth have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Canada. Children who receive this diagnosis often require multiple resources throughout their lives such as speech and physical therapy, and psychological counselling. 

“This is where the Grant Thornton Foundation and the Greater Purpose Program is so brilliant,” says Krista Metcalfe, a Manager in our Consumer Insolvency practice whose son Noah was diagnosed with autism. “We’re assisting and benefitting the lives of people who need it the most. Our community organizations will gain the funding they need to help thousands of people across Canada.”

Noah benefitted greatly from Autism Nova Scotia she says, which is why the donation means so much to her family. “Not once were we charged for a consultation or for participating in a program. And it gave me so much hope to know that there’s an organization out there to help navigate this sometimes very difficult journey.”

What began as someone reaching out to personally connect with colleagues culminated with a powerful impact both in Nova Scotia and across the Firm.

“This program helps our communities thrive,” Krista says. “Through this donation we’re also impacting our colleagues and their families and helping them thrive in a meaningful way.”