Author: harold

test

PRESS RELEASE

$1 MILLION 50/50 ESTIMATED JACKPOT LAUNCHED FOR CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK
…Canucks for Kids Fund’s online 50/50 will raise funds for Canucks Autism Network to replace cancelled fundraising events due to COVID-19

Vancouver, B.C. –  The Canucks for Kids Fund, in partnership with Canucks Autism Network (CAN), is excited to announce a special 50/50 draw where the jackpot is expected to surpass $1 million with a guaranteed minimum prize of $500,000!

Proceeds will help replace Canucks Autism Network fundraising events that were either cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the CAN Pro-Am, Fishing for Kids Tournament and HM Commercial Ride for Autism.

Tickets are on-sale now at canucks.com/online5050. Sales will continue through 9:30 pm Monday, November 2nd.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge for our beneficiaries, so we are doing what we can to support the Canucks Autism Network and others in the weeks and months ahead,” said Paolo Aquilini, President of the Canucks for Kids Fund. “Canucks fans have been so incredibly generous and this online 50/50 gives all of us a chance to help children and families when they need it the most.”

“CAN’s ability to raise funds during the pandemic has been significantly impacted, yet the community need to help kids, youth and adults with autism has never been greater,” said Britt Andersen, CEO at Canucks Autism Network. “Funds from this 50/50 will be absolutely vital in helping us continue virtual programs that have allowed us to reach participants isolated at home, while re-introducing in-person programs in the safest way possible.”

Since March, CAN has developed 14 weekly virtual programs, filling over 700 program spots. Ranging from pre-recorded videos to live programs hosted on Zoom, programs have included Virtual Hockey, Movement, Movie Club and more.

Meanwhile, in-person programs are being gradually reintroduced with strict health regulations in place across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Interior. Already, hundreds of participants and families have benefited while adhering to heightened safety protocols and physical distancing.

This 50/50 raffle is the first of several planned in the coming weeks as the Canucks for Kids Fund supports its beneficiaries impacted financially due to the pandemic. The next raffle begins at 9:00 am, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and will support Special Olympics BC.

The Canucks for Kids fund held online 50/50 raffles supporting Covid-19 Relief efforts and most recently during the Canucks playoff run.  The previous raffles generated $3,652,213 ($7,304,425 total jackpot) for local charities, including organizations supporting community nourishment, mental health, and children’s support programming during COVID-19 relief efforts.

ON-LINE 50/50 INFORMATION:
Fans can select from one of four ticket pack options:

  • 3 Tickets for $5
  • 7 Tickets for $10
  • 50 Tickets for $20
  • 150 Tickets for $50

The prize is 50 per cent of the total jackpot amount.  The winning ticket number will be posted online at Canucks.com/5050tickets shortly after each draw.

Online tickets can only be purchased by fans located within BC’s borders. Must be 19 to play. Know your limit, play within it. BC Gaming Event License # 126880. The 50/50 raffle is powered by Ascend Fundraising Solutions.

Canucks Autism Network is dedicated to providing programs to individuals with autism and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

-30-

Keara Farnan is a CAN participant, volunteer and regular guest writer, who shared with us her experience accessing CAN virtual programs during COVID-19.

Over the past couple of months, I have taken part in Canucks Autism Network (CAN)’s virtual programs for youth and adults. These have included Netflix Parties, Zoom meet ups and live fitness classes. It has been a great way to interact with others and feel part of the CAN community during this difficult time.

Continuing to participate with CAN has helped me feel a sense of belonging and decreased my feelings of social isolation, anxiety and depression.

I’ve discovered common interests among other participants and connected with a few individuals outside of virtual programs as well.

Netflix Watch Parties

One of the movies we’ve watched is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The chatroom function allowed us to talk about the movie while it was playing. It was a great way to feel more included.

Discussing the movie allowed us to share our perspectives, answer trivia questions, and even play a game of movie bingo.

Even though we weren’t watching together in-person, it still felt as though we were connected. I like being able to discuss the movie with others as opposed to just watching by myself at home.

Adults with autism can be particularly vulnerable to social isolation and mental health issues, like depression & anxiety.

The suspension of services can be disproportionately challenging for them. The situation only gets harder when they live alone.

Zoom Meet Ups

The first Zoom Meet Up I took part in consisted of myself and about 15 other people, a mix of both staff and participants. I noticed some familiar faces and it was great to meet new participants and staff who I have never met before as well.

We started with introductions, followed by a picture guessing game, and a scavenger hunt. CAN participants were able to share whether or not they enjoyed the Zoom Meet Up and what changes they would like to see in the future.

I really enjoyed meeting new participants and staff, as well as trying out new activities. It’s a great way to get together as a group all in one place at the same time while maintaining social distancing.

Our online programs for youth and adults with autism are designed to build social connection, routine, and physical and mental health.

Trying out new apps like Zoom has definitely helped me become more familiar with online platforms. I feel more confident participating in more virtual meetups and connecting with others online now.

Zoom Fitness

Last month, I had the chance to participate in CAN’s first online fitness class. As someone who actively exercises and likes to stay in shape, it was a great way to bond with my peers, while maintaining my fitness.

The instructor showed us how to do squats, jumping jacks, and “mountain climbers”, followed by stretches, which are important to do after any physical activity.

The exercise class has been my favourite out of all three CAN virtual programs so far. I find that working out helps me stay calm if I’m stressed out or feeling anxious.

***

Participating in CAN’s online programs has allowed me to practice my social skills while doing fun activities, rather than sitting at home alone and further isolating myself.

My wish is that eventually things will soon go back to normal, and that we all will be reunited in person. I cannot wait to participate and volunteer in CAN programs in person once this virus is gone.

In the meantime, CAN’s online programs have given me something to look forward to every day while COVID-19 continues.

-Keara Farnan, CAN participant & volunteer

CAN online programs are needed now more than ever.

With help from generous contributors like you, we can continue to support our community virtually during this difficult time.

I quit homeschooling Kaya this morning and left with our autism service dog Dianne for a three hour walk, leaving my husband to take over.

When you’re a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you have to be on 24 hours a day. There’s no such thing as a break.

My name is Iveta Nelson and I’m the mother of two beautiful girls. My youngest, Kaya, is on the autism spectrum.

Ever since we had to start homeschooling, Kaya has struggled with most of the activities that have been assigned to her. With so many kids in her virtual classroom, the instruction isn’t adapted to Kaya’s needs.

She doesn’t get the support she usually does in person. It has been very stressful and exhausting.

It wasn’t until CAN started putting their videos out that Kaya finally started to pay attention.

I could tell by her wide eyes that Kaya felt like the CAN coaches were talking to her. Watching another person doing the activity alongside her made a world of difference.

For Kaya, she feels safe and at home with CAN, so she sees the videos as being for her. So she pays attention. At school, she never feels like that.

The need for our online programs has never been greater. Give now to support CAN in helping others like Kaya.

This time has been really hard for us all. We’re just so thankful to CAN that we have activities to do at home that are short and simple enough for our amazing kids but challenging enough that they can work on their skills and still have fun!

And when they do them, they feel so proud of themselves. I know because I’ve seen the pride on my own daughter’s face.

So thank you CAN and thank you to all of the people who make CAN possible.

Because of you, I have hope that our family will get through this.

Sincerely,
Iveta Nelson
CAN Parent

Give hope to families like the Nelsons. 

The need for CAN programs is greater than ever. With help from contributors like you, we can continue to support our community during and after this very difficult time.

I first got involved with Canucks Autism Network (CAN) as a participant in July 2018.

My nana really wanted me to go out and do something, so she took a look at CAN programs. We found one of the monthly social outings, and it happened to be at Castle Fun Park in Abbotsford, right next to home.

Since then, Brayden has participated, volunteered and worked with CAN. Watch his speech at the Canucks Dice & Ice Gala this past February!

That year, I heard about the inaugural CAN Pro-Am, a hockey tournament to raise funds for the programs I participated in. Rec and corporate teams got to pick an NHL Alumni to play on their team for one weekend.

Being a big Canucks fan since 2011, of course I wanted to play.  But at the time, I wasn’t old enough and I was playing my last midget hockey tournament in Lumby, a small town near Vernon, that same weekend.

When the 2020 tournament was announced, I was just old enough to sign up. Each team had to raise a minimum of $20,000 to participate – or approximately $1,000-$1,500 per player.

My nana registered me and told me that I had to raise the money myself – and I did.

There were 19 rec and corporate teams signed up for the 2020 CAN Pro-Am, presented by Hudson Pacific Properties. CAN helped organize a team comprised of CAN parents, staff, volunteers and supporters, called the Healthy Scratches. Brayden joined this team for the 2020 tourney.

Instead of asking for money for Christmas, I asked my relatives to make a pledge to my fundraising campaign.  They helped a lot, and I am grateful for their support.

My nana and I also attended a Lions meeting in December.  We made an oral presentation and were surprised at the generosity of the people at the meeting; I doubled my fundraising total in just one night.

Sometimes I even took bottles and cans to the recycling depot to add more to my total.

Lastly, I was also volunteering with the new CAN Hockey program in Coquitlam.  Imagine my surprise when I found out that my volunteer hours gave me a fundraising bonus too!

After months of fundraising, Brayden absolutely smashed his fundraising goal of $1,500, bringing in $2,250.

As a team, the Healthy Scratches raised an incredible $43,369. Ranking 6th among the 19 teams, they earned the right to play a pre-tournament exhibition game at the home of the Vancouver Canucks.

The tournament experience started on my birthday, January 22. Who would ever imagine playing in Rogers Arena on their 19th birthday? It was a funny game for me. I was wearing gloves that were too big for me, but I still managed to get two assists in that game. I felt like I got some of my old groove back.

Two days later, the official tournament weekend began with Draft Night, sponsored by Odlum Brown Limited. Teams selected NHL Alumni in the order of their fundraising rankings. Brayden and the Healthy Scratches owned the 6th overall pick.

It is difficult to describe my pure enjoyment at Draft Night in a single emotion. My team came up with a vote for drafting.  We eliminated Todd Bertuzzi and the Sedins as possibilities, because we knew they would be the first three drafted. We narrowed it down to two players: Canucks Alumni Brad May and Mason Raymond.

After Bertuzzi and the Sedins were chosen, Brendan Morrison and May went 4th and 5th. So our decision was made for us. We welcomed former Canucks winger Mason Raymond onto our team. Based on how the tournament eventually went, I believe that we may have come out with the best pick in the draft.

The next morning, it was time to drop the puck! The 2-day tournament took place at UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. Each team gets two games on Saturday and one game on Sunday.

The whole tournament was one big highlight. On day one, Raymond kept setting me up, but I just could not score. Although we lost both of our Saturday games, we were all having fun, and that is what mattered most.  We got a laugh out of Kyle Wellwood’s cherry-picking against us. And taking a faceoff against Geoff Courtnall was something I never thought would happen.

When we weren’t playing, I hung out with a few members of the team in the player’s lounge overlooking the main rink. We watched the Sedins face off against each, and it was a blast.  They went one-on-one at the start of each period. I felt bad for the goalies!

We had our last game the next day. It was something else. While we were getting ready, we made a few trades with our opponents from First Brew – a team of first responders and microbrewery staff from Port Moody. Taylor Pyatt ended up joining Mason Raymond as a second NHL Alumni on our team.

The second period was where the game really took off.  I never thought in my life that I would score a goal assisted by both Raymond and Pyatt, but the CAN Pro-Am makes scenarios like this possible. I do not miss wide open nets often.

After scoring another goal, Brayden had the opportunity to score a hat trick goal on a penalty shot!

Any penalty in this tournament results in a penalty shot. And during the third period, a call was made. I went wide-right and put it five-hole. Everyone cheered.

After the game, I was asked by CAN for an interview and to my surprise, both Brad May and Henrik Sedin walked up to congratulate me. When Brad May says you scored the goal of the tournament – well, I just could not stop smiling all day.

But the fun was not over yet.

One of the highlights of the tournament is the All-Star Game. The top 22 fundraisers get to compete in the showcase match alongside 12 NHL Alumni.

Before the game, one of our top fundraisers told us he couldn’t play anymore. He wanted to give his spot to a deserving player. Naturally, we offered it to Brayden!

I had to race to the All-Star teams’ dressing room. I was surprised when Canucks coaches Travis Green and Nolan Baumgartner came in to give us a speech.

One of the kids on the CAN youth hockey team in Coquitlam, Michael, also came in to thank us for our fundraising. He dropped the ceremonial puck for the game, which was very nice to see. If you are reading this, Michael, I hope you enjoyed the game, buddy!

There were a lot of great moments in this game. I had a very short board battle with Henrik Sedin, which I knew I would lose. But it was still great. Watching former Canucks goalie Corey Hirsch take a penalty shot was awesome as well; no one expects a goalie to pull off a one-handed shot!

I happened to score another goal during the game. This one resonated with me more than any of my previous goals, because my team was down by two. We still lost 4-3, but plenty of memories were already made.

I have been to the U.S. for a Peewee tournament. I have played against teams from Alberta. And I have been on a tournament-winning Bantam team. But this was easily one of the best weekends of my life.

I want to say thank you to everyone who made this tournament so amazing: the NHL Alumni, my teammates, and especially the volunteers and staff. Without these people working so hard and taking the time out of their days, it would not have been so amazing.

I can’t wait to be back next year.

– Brayden Bradbury

In 2015, Alejandro Diaz opened El Santo, a contemporary Mexican restaurant in New Westminster.

In the five years since, El Santo has quickly gained critical acclaim – both regionally and nationally. They have been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail and Vancouver Sun, and have been listed in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in Canada for a Big Night Out and Vancouver Magazine’s Best Latin Restaurant.

As a business owner, Alejandro firmly believes in using his success to positively impact the community around him. For his family, this means supporting Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

Around the same time his restaurant opened, Alejandro’s son Parker was diagnosed with autism.

“As a father, I understand both the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism,” Alejandro shared with us.

“We have experienced first-hand the need for inclusion and acceptance in the community.”

While searching for organizations that could support Parker, Alejandro’s family found CAN in 2016.

As members of the CAN community, they have participated in Family Events like our annual Festival of Lights, Rogers Arena Skate and Sports Day. Meanwhile, Parker has benefited from CAN’s weekly swimming lessons and overnight camp in the summer.

Alejandro’s three children at the CAN Festival of Lights

“We have participated in many CAN programs,” Alejandro said.

“But what we appreciate most is how they train other businesses and groups to take action and join them in supporting individuals with autism. That’s why I believe so strongly in giving back to CAN.”

Learn more about CAN Training & Community Engagement.

Since joining CAN, Alejandro has used his restaurant as a platform to raise incredible financial support for our programs, training and community engagement initiatives.

For every kids meal purchased at the restaurant, $1 is donated to CAN.

Additionally, his fundraising dinners have brought in upwards of $11,000 on an annual basis. Featuring multiple courses paired with carefully-curated drink pairings, they are highly-anticipated events that quickly sell out.

At our own fundraisers, El Santo’s exclusive dining experiences are consistently among the most coveted auction items. At our recent CAN Reveal Gala, El Santo donated a private dinner for 24 that raised an incredible $20,000!

After just four years, Alejandro and El Santo have raised over $88,800 for CAN – an astounding contribution from a pillar of the CAN community.

But like many small businesses and restaurants, El Santo has had to temporarily close their doors due to the current COVID-19 crisis.

It should come as no surprise that despite having to shut down, Alejandro was still finding ways to give back. Rather than letting fresh perishables go to waste, the chefs at El Santo whipped up hundreds of meals for those in their community to pick up free of charge.

And this past month, they have begun taking fresh meals over to healthcare workers at Royal Columbian Hospital. Despite their own hardships, it is inspiring to see El Santos’ efforts to continue lifting up their community.

If you or someone you know lives in the New Westminster area, please consider purchasing a gift card to El Santo. And if you aren’t connected to the New West community directly, trust us – it’s worth the trip when they re-open their doors.

Gift cards can be purchased by calling Alejandro Diaz directly at 604-727-8176 or emailing alejandro@elsanto.ca.

Read more

Starbucks: An extra shot of good

Pokerrito to donate 100% of sales to CAN

Return to CAN Blog

 

 

#WeBelieve that every individual on the autism spectrum should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

Sebastian Ralphs is not only one of our longest tenured participants – he is one of our most active volunteers! He has used a lifetime of experiences to build confidence, gain life skills and secure meaningful employment. This is his story.

“Living a life I like”

Hi, I’m Sebastian Ralphs. I‘ve been a Canucks Autism Network (CAN) participant since it was founded in 2008. First, I was a participant. Then in 2014, I became a volunteer to help other kids with autism. I’ve done so many fun things and learned so much at CAN. Let me tell you about it!

My family and I first heard about CAN from our neighbours, whose daughter worked there. My first activities with CAN were horseback riding at a stable in Southlands and golfing at the driving range with a golf pro.

These experiences were programs that were piloted in CAN’s early years before we shifted our focus on our current sports & rec offerings. Sebastian has been with us for a long time!

I did a lot of summer camps with CAN which helped me be more confident with things like high ropes and rock climbing. I was a little scared with those at the beginning, but the staff and volunteers helped me. I did many years of soccer and swimming until I moved on to CAN’s youth and adult programs.

Sebastian at 14 years old with his friend Tilman. CAN Overnight Camp in 2011

 

One of my favourite programs was the CAN music program with the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. I was in the first-ever class that was offered. And that made me happy because I love music. I met new friends and also my first girlfriend in the music classes.

We learned to sing as a choir and also play percussion. Our choir sang at the first CAN Reveal Gala, and we sang “Ice Cream”.

I even shared a microphone with Sarah McLachlan herself!

I was able to do the music program for two years as a participant – and then two more as a volunteer.

My mom first told me about the opportunity to volunteer with CAN back in 2014. I really wanted to do it so I could help other kids with autism. My first volunteer position was at the soccer program. I only expected to do things like set up and take down equipment.

So I was happy that I got to lead warm-ups and stretching and demonstrate skills that I had first learned as a participant.

I have been a volunteer in the Explore Volunteering program, where I helped other youth and adults with autism with various tasks, like making a forest trail and stocking clothing at the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store.

This program is for youth and adults with autism to sample volunteer opportunities in the community. As an experienced volunteer already, Sebastian helped out in a ‘peer support’ capacity, providing a positive role model for our participants!

Sebastian has additionally participated in one of our first two Translink Accessibility Tours for youth and adults with autism. View video of the first CAN x Translink Accessibility Tour.

I’ve also really enjoyed volunteering at many community events, like CAN’s info booth at Canucks games, family events like Sports Day and fundraisers like the Reveal Gala. I see so many friends and people I know from so many years at CAN.

I’ve been able to do so many fun things, like being a people greeter, assisting at information booths, giving kids stickers and demonstrating games to kids.

CAN has helped me be more social and confident in connecting with other people.

Volunteering with CAN even helped me get another volunteer job as a Sun Run clinic leader at Dunbar Community Centre for the last 4 years. My volunteer experience also helped me get a paid job at Vancity Credit Union.  I’m not doing any of my jobs now because of the pandemic, but hopefully it will end soon.

I am proud that I have these jobs. CAN is helping me have a life I like!

Read more

Volunteer Spotlight: “Be friendly to one another”

Behind the scenes with the Reveal Gala choir

Sylvain Formo: Changing my thoughts about autism

Former hockey player gives back at CAN skate

Return to CAN Blog

It’s been a couple of years since we moved our headquarters to the Kitsilano neighbourhood in Vancouver.

But for years, we called the corner of Yukon and 2nd home. And just across the street is where our office staff got their daily caffeine fix at Starbucks. It wasn’t long before Store Manager Ann-Marie Lee-Teahen knew virtually the entire Canucks Autism Network (CAN) office team by name.

Although we’re no longer immediate neighbours, our friends at Starbucks remain CAN supporters who we are proud to celebrate this National Volunteer Week.

“When I became the community lead in my district, I reached out to CAN for volunteer opportunities,” said Ann-Marie.

“At that time, one of the managers in our district, Evelyn Campbell was a CAN mom.”

“Through CAN, her son Logan has been enrolled in so many sports and social programs. He has come leaps and bounds!”

As a group, Ann-Marie, Evelyn and their fellow baristas began volunteering in our office to help organize and prepare our program supplies. Ann-Marie even donated her time to support our Weekly Youth & Adult Program for a season.

“I received training and learned so much from the program with respect to understanding people with autism,” Ann-Marie said.

Our neighbours across the street were eager to contribute more to our community. So when we asked them to put up some posters to promote our CAN Family Festival in 2016, Ann-Marie got the idea to get involved with our events as well.

Hundreds of families needing to stay warm at our annual Festival of Lights at Van Dusen?

Starbucks was there.

Hockey players arriving early in the morning for an 8am game?

Starbucks was there!

Over the past six years, Starbucks has volunteered at CAN Family Festival, CAN Relay 4 Autism, CAN Festival of Lights and most recently the CAN Pro-Am.

And at each event, they were on hand bright and early or late at night offering a warm smile and a free coffee or hot chocolate!

But their incredible contributions don’t stop there. Through the Starbucks Foundation, Ann-Marie and her South Central Vancouver Starbucks District have donated a total of $3,000 to support CAN programs, training and community engagement initiatives.

Like many businesses, most Starbucks locations are closed due to the current health crisis. And our hearts go out to the many store managers, baristas and all those who are waiting to get back to work.

But knowing how committed they are to giving back, it came as no surprise that the Starbucks at Yukon St and 2nd Ave remains open to frontline workers.

Ever since our new life of social distancing began, Ann-Marie and her team have been serving free coffee to the many first responders and health care workers in their neighbourhood, including those from Vancouver General Hospital and Vancouver Police Department headquarters.

“It has been a very fulfilling experience, ensuring that our first responders can be the best they can be,” said Ann-Marie.  “If only through a cup of coffee.”

For most, a good day begins with a cup of coffee. For us, our daily lattes and cappuccinos turned into a friendship we have treasured for over six years and counting.

Thank you, Ann-Marie and Starbucks!

Read more

Volunteer Spotlight: “Be friendly to one another”

Vancouver Foundation: Extending CAN’s impact in Nanaimo and Kamloops

Return to Blog Home

 “No matter what, Nina shows up with her bubbly, positive personality. You can’t help but feel happy when she’s around!”
-Kayla Ungaro, CAN Regional Coordinator in Kelowna

This National Volunteer Week, the spotlight is on our incredible BC-wide team in green. What motivates them to give back? What are their favourite memories supporting our participants and families?

We have seen their impact every day in our programs and events ever since we began in 2008. We can’t wait to share their stories with you all week on social media!

Today, we are excited to celebrate Nina Gaspari in Kelowna.

Outside of her busy schedule working at a restaurant and studying biochemistry at UBCO, Nina has dedicated countless week nights and summer days to CAN. In two years, she has volunteered in Gymnastics, Active, Multisport, Weekly Youth & Adult Programs and Summer Day Camps.

Learn more about becoming a CAN volunteer!

“I remember checking in with Nina after her first couple of weeks volunteering,” recalled Kayla Ungaro, CAN Regional Coordinator in Kelowna. “She beamed with excitement that volunteering at CAN was the highlight of her week!”

“Some individuals have an innate ability to connect with participants and be that positive part of their week – that is definitely Nina.”

You’d think it was enough that Nina was finding time to support our program every week. But despite her busy schedule, she went above and beyond last summer. Joining up with fellow CAN volunteer and personal friend Morgan Painchaud, the duo helped organize a benefit concert at the OK Corral. Featuring local Okanagan talents like Ben Klick, Hillside Outlaws and Michael Daniels, Country For CAN raised over $2,500!

We are so lucky to have such enthusiastic volunteers who support our programs with such passion. What drives Nina to dedicate so much time for our participants and families?

“My intention is to demonstrate how to be friendly to one another. I want to help create an environment where CAN participants feel they can try something that they wouldn’t normally do.”

“So any time a child, youth or adult is able to interact with another one confidently, it puts such a big smile on my face.”

In just two years, Nina has volunteered in over 30 weekly sessions at CAN. Among her many hours supporting our participants, she shared with us one of her favourite memories from our Multisport program.

“During the basketball lesson, we were playing pass. The kids were originally paired up with staff and volunteers. But part way through the lesson, one of the kids asked another if he would play pass with him instead,” Nina recalled.

“Although this seems like a very small thing to do, it made me so happy that he had developed the social skills to reach out to a fellow peer.”

This past Winter, Nina took her skills for building social connections among participants to our Weekly Youth & Adult Program.

“I absolutely love playing games and chatting with them,” Nina said. “They are always challenging my perceptions on many things and I always find myself looking forward to the next one.”

The world needs more people like Nina. Lucky for CAN, we have hundreds who share her genuine passion for supporting kids, youth and adults with autism.

While our in-person programs are on hold for the time being, it goes without saying that our CAN volunteers are missing our participants and families immensely.

“I am so appreciative of what CAN is able to do for so many families,” said Nina. “It is so nice to see how these kids and youth look forward to coming to see us each week — just as much as we look forward to seeing them!”

Additional reading

Former hockey player gives back at CAN skate

Meet Siobhan: CAN participant & part-time employee

Kyle Boyle: Why I volunteer for CAN

Additional info

What kind of training to CAN staff and volunteers receive?

What is each staff and volunteer’s role in CAN programs?

Become a CAN volunteer!

Return to Blog Home

Elaine is the mother of a young daughter with autism, Erin.

She very recently joined the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community in Fall 2018 when she registered her family as members.

“Erin is very apprehensive in new environments,” said Elaine. “In the past, she has had a difficult time adjusting to mainstream lessons.”

But with the hope that Erin would benefit from CAN’s adapted programs and experienced staff, she signed her daughter up for our six-week skate program at Port Coquitlam Rec Centre.

The difference?

“She was so confident,” Elaine recalled.

“We were thrilled with the level of kindness and compassion showed by your staff and volunteers. By the end of the program, she could skate a few feet on her own!”

At CAN, we believe every child with autism has the right to play sports. And while every CAN participant learns at their own pace, our trained staff and dedicated volunteers are prepared to give close individualized support.

We see our programs as a springboard for success in environments beyond our walls — so that kids like Erin can explore their newfound skills anywhere in their community.

“I now feel confident sending her skating with her peers at school,” said Elaine. “I know she will feel comfortable and look forward to the experience.

“Thank you for the opportunities you provide for my daughter.”

Additional Reading

Terri Neish: “Unconditional Inclusion”
A CAN mother of 10 years recalls her son’s first experience in our programs.

Soccer for all abilities at Cliff Avenue United FC
A professional soccer coach discovers CAN training to increase inclusion in his youth clubs.

Return to Blog Home

According to a recent Canadian Survey on Disability, approximately 86% adults with autism are unemployed nation-wide. In order to address this disparity, we have made inclusive hiring a priority within our own organization. As a result, we have benefited from the abilities of 18 staff with autism and 34 volunteers with autism in the past year. But we recognize the need to expand this impact beyond our walls.

That’s why Canucks Autism Network (CAN) has partnered with Ready, Willing and Able (RWA), an inclusive hiring initiative funded by the Government of Canada.

The goal of the RWA program is to engage, educate and support employers to hire individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. We joined RWA as a program partner alongside Inclusion BC – with CAN delivering the program for individuals with autism and Inclusion BC supporting those with intellectual disabilities.

In order to support this new initiative, we hired two new staff to our Employment Team – Employment Engagement Specialist Ross MacMillan and Navigator of Youth and Adult Services Sarah Armstrong. Together with Manager of Employment Initiatives Robbie Hsieh overseeing the program, the trio has been busy laying the groundwork for CAN’s delivery of the initiative.

Given the current health situation with COVID-19, we recognize that the employment landscape has rapidly changed.

Working remotely from home, Robbie, Ross and Sarah remain committed to connecting with employers, job seekers and agency partners during this time. As a team, we are actively exploring new ways to champion inclusive hiring in the current employment climate.

Employer Engagement

Starting this past September, Ross MacMillan has engaged with numerous employers to build their interest and competency to hire individuals with autism. This work includes connecting employers with qualified candidates, providing disability awareness training and directing them to on-the-job supports.

As a result, CAN has already received inclusive hiring commitments from organizations like Aquilini Investment Group, SAP, Great Little Box Company and Meridian Farm Market.

If you are an employer or know of an employer that would like to discuss inclusive hiring, please contact Employment Engagement Specialist Ross MacMillan at ross.macmillan@canucksautism.ca.

We would especially love to hear from those who many have remote employment opportunities.

Supporting Job Seekers with Autism

Beginning this past December, Sarah Armstrong was promoted from her position as Youth and Adult Program Coordinator to Navigator of Youth and Adult Services – shifting her focus from CAN programs to supporting job seekers with autism through RWA.

Through community outreach, Sarah connects autistic youth and adults with supports and services that can improve their transitions to employment, independent living and community access. Since January, Sarah has engaged in over 30 outreach activities and has already connected 14 youth and adults to supports in their community.

During this time of uncertainty, Sarah is available to connect with job seekers to best prepare them for employment opportunities once the health situation in our community improves.

Are you looking for employment in the Metro Vancouver area? Do you identify as being on the autism spectrum? Connect with our Navigator of Youth and Adult Services, Sarah Armstrong, by filling out an Intake Form or at sarah.armstrong@canucksautism.ca.

Moving Forward

Our vision is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces. This includes our workplaces.

By collaborating with job seekers, businesses, employment service providers, other autism organizations, educational institutions and families, we firmly believe that we can build that future together.

For more information, please visit canucksautism.ca/rwa.

Additional Reading

Changing my thoughts about autism
Sylvain is a CAN participant, volunteer and now — staff member. Read the speech he gave at the Canucks Alumni Charity Golf Tournament.

CAN youth and adult members take the lead
We asked our participants what programs they wanted to see CAN deliver. This is what they said.

Meet Siobhan: CAN participant & part-time employee
Siobhan has benefited from CAN programs for years. Now CAN is benefiting from her skills in the office.

Return to the CAN Blog