Autism Dog Services welcomes CHCH Weekend News Anchor ADAM ATKINSON as their Official 2026 Ambassador
SOUTHWESTERN, ONTARIO, MARCH 2026 – “Autism Dog Services is thrilled to welcome Adam Atkinson, the CHCH Weekend News Anchor as our official Ambassador for 2026. His role will support the vital work that we do through increasing awareness of our organization, fundraising support for our events and being the public face of Autism Dog Services.”, says ADS Fund Development Manager Adele Alfano.
Adam has lived all over Canada and joined CHCH in 2002 and has since settled in the Brantford area which is coincidentally the home base of Autism Dog Services. Along with his busy schedule as the Weekend News anchor, Adam enjoys playing sports and lacing up his skates in a local hockey league in his spare time.
“I am honored to become an Ambassador for Autism Dog Services. I look forward to showcasing the incredible work this organization does”, says Adam Atkinson.
Autism Dog Services Executive Director Vicky Spadoni said “It was a perfect fit to approach Adam as our Autism Dog Services Ambassador since he is well known for his huge love for animals, especially his three miniature Schnauzers called Isabella, Cadbury and Nora who have made many television appearances. We welcome Adam as our ADS Ambassador and we look forward to working together while showcasing our services”.
About Autism Dog Services:
Autism Dog Services is Southwestern Ontario’s leader in providing service dogs for individuals and families living with autism and other related disorders. Our mission is fostering the integration of individuals with autism by training, placing and supporting service dogs that offer safety, companionship and independence. Autism Service Dogs are specially trained for and provide safety for the child, constant friendship, and behavioural support. Autism Dog Services is proud to support individuals and families living with Autism, and other related disorders that would benefit from the support of a specially trained Service Dog.
For further information and interview inquiries please contact:
Adele Alfano
ADS Fund Development Manager
519-774-0267
adele@autismdogservices.ca
Your donations help us provide our services to individuals with autism and give them a brighter future.
Autism Dog Services is a registered Canadian charitable organization making a difference by fostering the integration of individuals with autism by training, placing and supporting dogs that offer safety, companionship and independence.
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Learn about our services and how to apply for an autism service dog.
FOCUSED SERVICE
Autism Dog Services primary program is to provide autism service dogs to people over three years of age with autism and related disorders. If someone has challenges which present in a similar manner to Autism we will evaluate the need to determine if a service dog would be a beneficial support.
RAISE A PUPPY
Volunteer Puppy Raisers provide long term care for our puppies in training and are responsible for raising, socializing and providing basic training to puppies.
Volunteer puppy raisers are responsible for providing a safe home environment and caring for a puppy’s day to day needs and well-being. Volunteers must reside in Southwestern Ontario (Guelph, Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford, Western GTA and London and areas in this circle) and be able to travel to attend bi-weekly puppy classes. All food, equipment and veterinary care are provided.
Apply here: Puppy Raiser Application
PUPPY SITTING
Volunteer Puppy Sitters provide short term care for Autism Dog Services’ puppies and dogs in training.
Puppy sitters are responsible for providing a safe home environment and caring for puppies between eight weeks and 18 months of age and are responsible for their day to day needs and well-being. Puppy sitting is a good way to begin in our volunteer program if you are interested in raising a puppy but aren’t quite ready for the long term commitment involved. All food, equipment and veterinary care are provided.
Apply here: Puppy Sitter Application
We're always looking for help
There are many ways to volunteer at Autism Dog Services.
Let us know how you'd like to help and come join a great team!
