NEWS

Built on a foundation of ethical business conduct and local involvement, Sylogist and its employees are proud and privileged to support our communities and to participate in local events.

• Climb for Habitat - Mt. Columbia
  
• Allies for Autism - 10K Run
  
• Burnco Marathon - 4x10K Run
  

Climb for Habitat - Mt. Columbia
October 10, 2005

Climbing MOUNT COLUMBIA! - The Highest peak in Alberta!



Simon Batcup of Sylogist and eight other climbers have decided not only to celebrate Alberta's 2005 Centenary by climbing Mt. Columbia, but will raise money for Habitat as they climb!

Jayman Master Builder has joined Simon as the major sponsor of the climb and will be contributing $7,500 to the "Habitat for Humanity" project in honor of the event. Jayman Master Builder will even be inviting Simon to speak to their staff about the climbing experience and adventure.



Simon is also collecting pledges from other supporters; contributions can be sent c/o Diane Reid, Public Affairs Manager, Habitat for Humanity - Calgary, 125 - 2323 - 32nd Ave. N.E, Calgary AB, T2E 6Z3. Please make checks out to Habitat for Humanity, and indicate it is in support of Simon Batcup's Climb.



Despite some erroneous claims that this mountain is quite easily within reach, at 3745 meters, Mt. Columbia is the second highest mountain in all of the Canadian Rockies. The highest being Mount Robson (3,954 meters). Note that the photo on the left was later revealed to be a clever hoax. The mountain was in fact, much, much taller than the individual seen in this rare and uncredited photo.

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans, and 50, 000 Canadians today are believed to have some form of autism.

And that number is on the rise. Statistics from governmental agencies show that autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year. It has been estimated that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million North Americans in the next decade.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics.

Contributions can be sent c/o David Haines, Sylogist Ltd. - Suite 700, 839 - 5th Ave. S.W, Calgary AB, T2P 3C8 or directly to the Allies for Autism Foundation. Please make checks out to "Allies for Autism Foundation". Receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.

For those of you who wish to actively participate in the event or cheer us on, everyone is welcome! This is a charity event so most participants will not be terribly competitive and it takes place on the beautiful, scenic paths on the Bow river around Bowness park on Sunday, Sept. 25. at 10am.

You can chose from three exciting events for any age group and fitness level.
See the Race Brochure for more information.

• 1.5 km Fun walk: This is a fun walk around the grounds of the AL AZHAR temple that is suitable for families with very small children. Plenty of scenery and horses to see.


• 5 Km Walk Information: This is a recreational walk that utilizes the city pathway system along both sides of the bow river adjacent to Bowness Park. It originates and ends at the AL AHZAR temple. The terrain is flat and is suitable for any fitness level.


• 10 km Run Information: This run has something for everyone. It begins at the Al Ahzar temple and follows a scenic path through Bowness Park and Baker Park. The terrain is mostly flat and follows bike paths as well as hiking trails. This is a great run for both competitive and recreational runners alike.

Collected pledges and forms for all participants will be accepted at the following Soctiabank locations until Friday Sept. 23/05 and they will also be accepted at the event on race day.
  - Northwest; Beddiington 101, 8120 Beddington Blvd N.W.
  - Northeast; Horizon Square 100 3508 32nd Ave N.E.
  - Southeast; Glenmore Square 68 7740 18th St SE
  - Southwest; Westend Branch 1401-17th Ave SW
  - Main Branch; 240 - 8 Ave. S.W.