Category: Community

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Apr 19, 2022

In honour of Autism Acceptance Month this year, I participated in a CAN video that highlighted the important distinction between being aware of autistic people and being accepting of them. I think it’s very crucial to be accepting and inclusive to individuals of all different abilities because everyone deserves mutual respect and kindness.

When I first found out I had autism at age seven, I didn’t understand what that meant, let alone how receiving an autism diagnosis would impact my life moving forward. On the outside I didn’t look autistic, but within, I felt very different from my peers. I was very quiet and kept to myself most of the time. I didn’t enjoy hanging out with other children my age. Reading body language and facial expressions was challenging for me, and this is something I still struggle with as an adult.

I have always had a tough time accepting myself. However, in the last few years, I have realized I should not pay that much attention to how others perceive me. I am still learning to embrace my autism and think of my diagnosis as a blessing rather than something I should be ashamed of.

I have always been very open and honest about my diagnosis because it is a part of who I am. I don’t want to have to hide this part of myself in order for others to accept me.

It’s not something I feel anyone should have to do. That is why I wanted to be a part of this video that challenges the wider community to be more accepting and supportive of people on the spectrum.

Through sharing my story, I hope that more people on the spectrum will be inspired to speak their truth and support the movement from awareness to acceptance. By incorporating autism acceptance into my life, I have felt more comfortable interacting with neurotypical individuals. I don’t feel as much of a need to hide my autism. I am also starting to get to a place where I can openly speak about my struggles with my friends and family.

As a writer who has written two books on autism spectrum disorder, I feel as though I am better able to express myself through written output. Sometimes when I am speaking to other people, the words get jumbled up in my head and I have trouble forming sentences even though I know what I would like to say. I believe that we all have a story to tell and that our voice should be heard and not silenced. I am constantly learning how to be comfortable with sharing my stories with other people. I feel as though writing brings out the best and helps me and helps me hone my creative skills. I am able to speak honestly about how I feel, and this is something, which I have trouble doing verbally.

Visit kearafarnan.com to learn more about her self-published book I Only See in Black & White.

It’s taken me years to accept my autism diagnosis and I think it’s because I didn’t really understand myself when I was younger. I wasn’t sure why I would get angry with other people if they didn’t want to be my friend, and these negative thoughts would often lead to depression. I tried to switch to a more positive way of thinking and tell myself that it wasn’t my fault if other people didn’t want to hang out with me or get to know me. But, still the hurt and animosity would catch up to me.

I didn’t know how to handle these emotions and I didn’t understand why I was feeling this way. It’s taken me 26 years to learn to accept myself and come to terms with my autism diagnosis. However, sometimes I have bad days where I feel as though nothing is going right, and those around me don’t understand how I am feeling. My life is not perfect and I don’t think it’s ever going to be and this is something I have learned to accept.

Practicing autism acceptance has become a huge part of my daily routine.  I encourage other individuals on the spectrum to practice autism acceptance as well. But more importantly, I encourage the community at large to choose acceptance.

Through writing and telling my story, I hope that I can inspire other autistic individuals to become more comfortable with their diagnosis. I believe that everyone is unique and special in their own way, and this is something I wish I would have come to realize earlier in life. Autism doesn’t define who I am as an individual, but it’s a small part of who I am. And a part that I am proud of.

-Keara Farnan

Further reading:

Keara Farnan: Keeping it fresh & healthy

Keara Farnan: My life with autism

Keara Farnan: My experience coping with change during COVID-19

Keara Farnan: Climbing new heights with CAN

Keara Farnan: Maintaining a ‘sense of belonging’ during COVID-19

RETURN TO BLOG HOME

April 4, 2022

In what is now an annual tradition, the Vancouver Canucks held their Autism Acceptance Game against the Vegas Golden Knights this past Sunday.

And while the overtime loss wasn’t the on-ice result we were hoping for, it was the team’s community impact that took centre stage.

Since 2008, the Canucks and Canucks For Kids Fund have been our most vital supporters. It was 14 years ago that Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son Christian is on the autism spectrum.

Once again, the celebration was presented by Herbaland, a local vitamin and supplement gummy producer. After committing to giving 20% of all online sales from March 24-31, Herbaland kicked off the festivities with a $5,000 donation to CAN.

Throughout the evening, the Canucks put the spotlight on CAN participants and the importance of supporting and including individuals on the spectrum in our community.

For the second straight year, anthem singer Gavin Leong (13 years old) and PA announcer Ryan Chilton (28) were featured at the mic.

A former student of the CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music program, Gavin has sung at a number of CAN events over the years. Meanwhile, Ryan is a professional announcer and voice over artist who has forged a bond with Canucks PA announcer Al Murdoch.

Gavin was joined at ice level by a couple of young CAN athletes from the Coquitlam Sharks hockey team.

Mikael Raptis (11) was chosen for the Rogers Every Kid’s Dream program, joining the starting lineup at the blueline. Meanwhile, his teammate Kayen DeGoey (10) experienced the pre-game warm up as the Toyota Junior Trainer of the Game.

Mikael (left) and Kayen (right) had just completed their first year of CAN Hockey the day before the game.

And just before puck drop, it was Bob Shanks, a 29-year-old on the spectrum, who cranked the BCLC Community Hero Siren. Over the course of 10 years, Bob has single-handedly raised over $300,000 for CAN. A community hero, indeed.

After the 1st period, it was CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini and CEO Britt Andersen‘s turn to highlight the cause.

Paolo sat with Sportsnet 650 host Satiar Shah, whose brother is also on the autism spectrum. On the Sportsnet telecast, Britt joined Dan Murphy to let viewers know how to support the work that CAN does across BC and beyond.

Listen to Paolo’s interview >

 

Watch Britt’s interview >

 

While the evening featured so many different key individuals from CAN, it’s important to note the work that the Canucks do year-round to support autism acceptance.

In addition to providing vital funding through 50/50 and a number of charitable initiatives, the Canucks have partnered with CAN to make resources available at Rogers Arena for any fan on the spectrum (or anyone with sensory sensitivities) who might benefit.

Resources include noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, ID bracelets and a Quiet Room available upon request. For Canucks games specifically, fans can also benefit form an activity storybook to help illustrate what to expect.

For full details, please visit the Canucks’ autism accessibility page.

Looking for ways to support the cause, while commemorating the event?

  • Canucks players wore limited edition hoodies celebrating the cause.
    Get your own Canucks x CAN hoodie at vanbase.ca. Proceeds support CAN!
  • Proceeds from Canucks 50/50 benefit CAN & a range of other deserving charities.
    Fans can buy tickets in-game and online.
  • Or make a donation directly to CAN!
    Visit canucksautism.ca/donate.

A huge thank you to entire Canucks organization and Herbaland for celebrating autism acceptance this past Sunday and for supporting the cause year-round. It is because of them that we can continue our work across BC and beyond.

Further reading

Coquitlam Express welcome hundreds for Autism Acceptance Game

Local businesses championing autism acceptance in April 2022

Dear Canucks Autism Network: A letter from a CAN Hockey parent

Kourosh Ershad: From CAN Hockey to North Van Minor; living his dream

Goalie on the spectrum finds calling coaching hockey

CAN BLOG HOME

We are so proud to have been selected by the Coquitlam Express for their Shaw Brighter Communities initiative. From now until May 31, 2022, fans can make a $10 donation by texting CQTKIDS to 41010. Shaw will match all text-to-donate contributions! Full details at bchl.ca/shaw.

This initiative comes on the heels of the Express’ first-ever Autism Acceptance Game, hosted this past February.

March 21, 2022

The Coquitlam Express have been a mainstay in the Tri-Cities since 2001. Playing out of Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, the BCHL team is committed to fostering inclusion and accessibility in their community.

So when Express Vice President and General Manager Tali Campbell heard that our Coquitlam Sharks youth team played out of the same arena, he was immediately motivated to connect with us.


“Going to a hockey game, we often don’t think about the loud horn, the music, the fans cheering — but for someone on the autism spectrum, it becomes a very sensory rich environment,” said Campbell in an interview with Global News. “And sometimes it becomes too much. It’s long overdue that we become an accessible arena for everyone, including those on the autism spectrum.”

Led by Tali’s belief in accessibility, the Express partnered with CAN to host their first-ever Autism Acceptance Game on Sunday, February 27. Over 100 CAN families were invited to watch a marquee match up against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

With CAN’s support, the Express had sensory-friendly kits on-hand and a designated Quiet Room for any fan who might benefit. Both resources can be accessed at any Express home game by visiting the merchandise sales window.

Each kit contains noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys and a game timeline.

Throughout the afternoon, the game showcased a number of key autistic voices, figures and talents within the CAN community. A couple of CAN participants expertly shared the mic, as Ryan Chilton (28 years old) announced the starting lineup and Jayden Weiss (12) sang the national anthem.

Watch Jayden’s anthem performance in its entirety >

Meanwhile, the ceremonial puck drop was performed by Christian Aquilini, the young man who inspired Paolo and Clara to found CAN in 2008.

Canucks Co-Owners Paolo & Clara Aquilini founded CAN with a desire to create more opportunities for individuals on the spectrum like Christian.

And at first intermission, the young members of the CAN Coquitlam Sharks showcased their talents during an intrasquad scrimmage.

The Coquitlam Sharks team also debuted their brand new jerseys at the game!

As the focus shifted back on the BCHL contest, the hundreds of CAN members in attendance were treated to a 3-2 win, as the Express staved off a late push from the visiting Bulldogs. But the festivities didn’t end at the final buzzer.

With the Express players in good spirits from their win, each CAN family was invited onto the ice for a post-game skate with the victors! It was a true joy to see this team of junior athletes bond with our young CAN players.

And for any non-hockey playing members who were looking to steady themselves on the ice, an Express player was never far to lend a helping hand.

We like to think that the Express had some added motivation to connect with our participants that afternoon. It was actually behind the scenes that perhaps one of the most inspiring moments of the day took place.

Sylvain Formo, a young adult on the spectrum, was invited to speak to the entire Express team. He shared about his experience growing up as a goalie, before joining the CAN staff team as a coach.


“I know you’ll be with the CAN kids after the game during the family skate,” said Sylvain. “Just take a second to get to know each kid. Each kid is different and you’ll probably learn something you never knew before.”

Based on the beaming smiles that we saw on both the Express players and the CAN families’ faces, it’s safe to say that they took Sylvain’s words to heart.

“We’re thankful to Canucks Autism Network for working with us on this event,” said Tali. “I’m learning. My staff are learning. And our players are learning.”

CAN CEO Britt Andersen, CAN hockey dad Rob DeGoey, Express VP & GM Tali Campbell and Express Event Director Rick Nelson.

At CAN, our vision is for every individual on the spectrum to be understood, accepted, and supported in all community spaces. Thank you to Tali and the entire Coquitlam Express organization for taking meaningful steps in this direction.

Further reading

Goalie with autism finds his calling coaching hockey

Sylvain Formo: Changing my thoughts about autism

CAN & YVR: Launching a community of support

CAN BLOG HOME

As we continue to celebrate Donor Appreciation Month at Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we want to recognize Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for their ongoing support.

As a longtime community partner, YVR’s work with us has naturally focused on increasing autism accessibility within their walls. But in recent years, they have expanded their commitment to CAN by dedicating vital funding towards our training initiatives province-wide. This is their story.

February 18, 2022

For years, CAN & YVR’s Autism Accessibility Tour was a highly-anticipated staple in our event calendar. Held annually from 2014-19, the event provided a simulated travel experience for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while introducing them to vital accessibility resources that remain available year-round at YVR.

These events allowed kids, youth and adults to familiarize themselves with the check-in, security screening and boarding process, launching them into a world of air travel possibilities.

“Ensuring the airport is accessible and a place of welcome for all is a top priority at YVR,” said Richard Beed, Vice President of People and Brand at the Vancouver Airport Authority.

A mother and son pose for a photo on an airplane during the 2019 CAN & YVR Autism Accessibility Tour.
Kerry and her son (pictured in 2019) are among hundreds of families who have benefited from CAN & YVR’s annual Autism Accessibility Tours.

As part of the partnership, YVR staff and partners also received valuable autism training.

“The familiarization tours and training sessions have provided an opportunity to educate our teams and partners, share best practices, and learn ways we can support individuals and families based on their needs and preferences,” added Cathy Nyfors, Manager of Passenger Programs at YVR.

Due to COVID-19, we haven’t been able to deliver the tours since 2019. We are hopeful that we will be able to re-introduce the YVR event in the very near future.

But in the absence of the annual tour, YVR has found new ways to broaden their support of CAN.

In recent years, we have been so thankful to see our local airport authority become a key funder. Those involved with the CAN Virtual Challenge will remember YVR as the fundraiser’s presenting sponsor in both 2020 and 2021.

Beyond sponsorship, YVR’s financial support is essential to our Training and Community Engagement initiatives.

After leading by example, they now provide funding to ensure our work with them is duplicated far and wide across BC. Knowing the benefits of the training is what inspired YVR to help fund our efforts to increase accessibility across community settings.

With YVR’s help, CAN provided training to over 40 different organizations in 2021.

Among those who received training in 2021 are North Shore fire fighters, police officers and search & rescue volunteers.

From sports & rec providers to educators to first responders and employers, those efforts have amounted to over 1,000 individuals are now equipped to include individuals on the spectrum in their community spaces.

We are so grateful to have had YVR’s support for over eight years now. At CAN, we believe that every community should take action to include and support autistic individuals. It is only together that we can make real change.

Thank you, YVR!

Learn more

For more info on autism accessibility at YVR, please visit yvr.ca/autism.
For more information on CAN training, please visit canucksautism.ca/training.

Feature stories

Learning to fly ‘without apology’ with YVR
One family’s story from the annual accessibility tour in 2019

North Shore commits to safer community for autism population
An unprecedented partnership with North Vancouver City & District Fire, North Vancouver RCMP & North Shore Rescue

El Santo: Serving up support for CAN and the community
A donor spotlight: Local CAN dad and restaurant owner gives back

For Remi’s 5th birthday this past November, he chose to ask his friends and family for donations to Canucks Autism Network in lieu of gifts.  

“In lieu of gifts, we would like to give back to a group that have given us so much. Remi has attended multiple activity programs and is currently learning how to ice skate which he loves going to. As a family, we have gotten to enjoy the Chilliwack Corn Maze which was a blast for us all. As Rio and Reimo get older, they too can attend programs with Remi.  Canucks Autism Network provides a safe, inclusive space for children to learn, interact and play together!” – Sarah, CAN Mom

If you would like to host a birthday fundraiser in support of Canucks Autism Network, we’d love to hear about it! Please contact our team at development@canucksautism.ca for ways to support.

 

First responders join forces to partner with Canucks Autism Network

Vancouver, BC – As of October 2021, the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, City of North Vancouver Fire Department, North Vancouver RCMP and North Shore Rescue have all completed training on how to identify and safely support people on the autism spectrum in emergency situations. Over 200 first responders attended the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) training, with the common goal of improving their understanding of autism to create a more inclusive and supportive North Shore community.

The prevalence of autism continues to increase, with 1 in 37 children being diagnosed in BC. Individuals on the autism spectrum are seven times more likely to interact with first responders in an emergency setting. Regardless of their age, autistic individuals can experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities and communication barriers, particularly in emergency environments. CAN training increases first responders’ basic understanding of autism, and improves the ability for fire, police and search and rescue personnel to respond to the unique needs of community members who are on the autism spectrum.

“We believe that every community should take action to support individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Hallie Mitchell, CAN Director of Children’s Programs and Community Training. “Before this partnership, we had never seen four first responder groups from the same municipality unite to receive our training. It’s a remarkable show of support for the North Shore’s autism community.”

According to Mike Danks, Assistant Fire Chief – North Vancouver City Fire Department (NVCFD), it is our duty as first responders to commit to continuous learning in order to best support the diverse needs of community members.

“First responders are dispatched to a myriad of calls for subjects with all ranges of abilities and backgrounds every day” stated Mike Danks. “It is of utmost importance to NVCFD and the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (DNVFRS) that we are well prepared and able to provide inclusive, comprehensive emergency response for every callout. It is our duty to flex and learn to meet and exceed the ever changing needs and requirements of our community. Our collaboration with CAN and our service partners to learn about autism has been engaging, comprehensive and vital.”

Sgt. Peter DeVries further highlighted how this deeper level of understanding can make all the difference between a positive and negative outcome.

“As police officers, every day, we encounter people from across society, spanning a range of abilities, challenges, and unique characteristics,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries of the North Vancouver RCMP. “As with every aspect of the work we do, having the proper tools and training can make the difference between success and failure, not just for us, but also for the person we encounter. This training gives us another tool we can use, and equips us to meet the diverse needs of those who are on the spectrum.”

CAN’s two-part workshop provided a valuable introduction to autism alongside practical strategies for communication and support. Participating firefighters, officers and search and rescue volunteers are also now armed with CAN resource kits that are housed aboard their vehicles. The kits include sensory toys to reduce anxiety, visual resources to improve communication, and noise-cancelling headphones to ease sensory sensitivities.

CAN is considered a provincial leader in providing autism training to a variety of community-level groups, including over 1,600 first responders across BC and beyond. View CAN’s full suite of autism training and resources at www.canucksautism.ca/training.

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About Canucks Autism Network
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is dedicated to providing programs to individuals on the spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. For more information, please visit canucksautism.ca.

For media inquiries:
Lindsay Petrie, Director of Marketing
Canucks Autism Network
Lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca
604.788.8565

April 23, 2021

As we continue to highlight those who donate their time at CAN, we introduce you to Morgan Painchaud in Kelowna. Morgan is one of the many volunteers who have since been hired as a support worker in our programs.

Despite making the transition to staff, Morgan still volunteers by organizing fundraisers that benefit the programs she works in! In the past three years, she’s helped organize two unique events that have brought in a combined $4,500+ for CAN! Incredible.

One of them took place this past weekend – a city-wide treasure hunt with Treaze. Find out what motivates Morgan to do SO MUCH for CAN in our Q&A with her!

What programs have you volunteered for?

Since joining CAN as a volunteer in 2017, I have been a part of Active, Multisport, Gymnastics, Weekly Youth & Adult and Summer Day Camps.

I have been very fortunate in the past four years to have the time to put into such a great organization. Between programs and and planning fundraising events, I have accumulated over 100 hours of service for CAN.

I am very grateful to have had so many opportunities to learn about, advocate for, and provide support to autistic children, youth, and their families.

CAN’s Active program with new COVID protocols and physical distancing.

Why did you choose to volunteer with CAN?

I was looking for something I’d be excited for on a weekly basis. Upon learning about CAN, it seemed a little too good to be true.

Hanging out with kids, playing games and being active was the perfect scenario. I can confirm that it’s just as good in real life as it seems on paper!

Tell us about the transition you made from volunteering to become a staff member!

Each week was so fulfilling. Volunteering with CAN gave me the tools to feel confident in supporting individuals with diverse abilities. I’m forever grateful for that.

Seeing how much fun CAN participants have each week and seeing their skills grow has been such an amazing experience. This past Fall, I wanted to take on more responsibility at CAN, so I took the steps to transition into a support worker role.

Since then, I have been lucky enough to become a virtual coach for the CAN Science Club, continue to support Active & Multisport and will be taking steps to become an in-person coach this Spring.

You’ve helped organize two fundraisers for CAN in the two years. Tell us about them!

I was involved in planning and facilitating Country for CAN back in June 2019. Several local BC country musicians came together for a benefit concert. We hosted a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. The night was such a blast and we successfully raised over $2,500.

This past weekend, a fellow CAN volunteer (and my close friend), Nina Gaspari, joined me in planning a COVID-friendly and socially-distanced scavenger hunt with Treaze. With the support of amazing local companies, we raised over $1,500.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Treaźe Canada (@treazecanada)

What is your favourite memory  volunteering with CAN?

There was one particularly challenging session. I felt like I was struggling to demonstrate the skills my participant needed to work on.

The parent was watching on the sidelines and approached me afterwards. They told me that they had never seen their child so chatty and excited to come to programs before!

It was such an important moment for me. Even though I felt like I was struggling to support them, the parent was just so appreciative that they had a place they wanted to come to.

I feel like that’s the true success of any CAN program – the ability to instill confidence in each individual so that they may feel understood and included. That’s the first step in developing their skills and forming social connections, no matter the activity or community setting.

For anyone looking for a place where autistic youth are supported. Or anyone wishing to provide that support – I can’t recommend CAN enough!

More volunteer stories!

Nina Gaspari: “Be kind to one another”

Meet Austin: Helping give equal opportunity

Sebastian: “Living a life I like”

Kyle Boyle: Why I volunteer for CAN

Former hockey player gives back at CAN skate

BLOG HOME >>

 

April 21, 2021

Originally scheduled for March 31, the Vancouver Canucks hosted their World Autism Acceptance Game last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs! Presented by Herbaland, the annual game celebrated the successes of Canucks Autism Network (CAN) participants across BC!

Since our inception, the Vancouver Canucks and Canucks For Kids Fund have been invaluable supporters. From annual funding to autism accessibility initiatives at Rogers Arena, we could not do what we do without their belief in the cause.

This year, Herbaland came alongside the Canucks to celebrate the occasion as the game’s presenting sponsor. Leading up to the game, the local vitamin and supplement gummy producer donated 10% of all sales & 100% of merch sales from March 31 to April 20!

Learn more about Herbaland’s partnership with the Canucks & CAN >

With World Autism Acceptance Month in April, the Canucks highlighted the cause throughout the evening:

  • CAN participant Gavin Leong (12 years old) sang the national anthem.
  • CAN participant Ryan Chilton (27 years old) shared PA duties with Al Murdoch.
  • CAN volunteer and Richmond General Hospital nurse Nidhi Shukla cranked the siren at puck drop.
  • Canucks coaches and broadcasters wore commemorative CAN pins.
  • Canucks players wore CAN decals on their helmets and CAN Adidas Dry Fit t-shirts post-game.
    Buy yours today!


In addition to the in-game features, Sportsnet 650 welcomed a series of Canucks and CAN guests to discuss the cause.

| Canucks head coach Travis Green shared his personal experience with autism:

“Having a son with autism, it’s so special to be part of an organization that really wants to help. Whether it’s sports, arts, employment… Having people with autism accepted into every day life is so important.” Listen to the full interview below.

| CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini discussed the inspiration behind the organization:

“Acceptance is recognizing that autism is really part of human diversity. And diversity always makes our community better and more unique.” Listen to the full interview below.

| CAN CEO Britt Andersen discussed how CAN provides opportunity:

“We’re giving kids the opportunity to reach their full capabilities by just giving them a chance. Autism acceptance is encouraging the community to understand that people on the spectrum have unbelievable individual strengths.” Listen to the full interview below.

| CAN Director of Development Ryan Yao shared his excitement for the game:

“We’re reaching more participants & communities every year. But there are so many more families we need to reach out to. Your support means a lot to us as we continue our work.” Listen the full interview below.

Canucks fans can also look to CAN’s “How Swede It Is” Jersey Raffle for a fun way to support the cause. Starting now all throughout Autism Acceptance Month in April, fans can enter to win a trio of signed Canucks jerseys from Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin and Elias Pettersson. Tickets start at just $5. Fans can purchase tickets until Saturday, May 1 at 10pm (PST) at canucksautism.ca/raffle.

Must be 19+ and within BC to enter the raffle.

Incredible thanks to the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks For Kids Fund and Herbaland for highlighting the cause and supporting our work year-round.

Further reading

Dear Canucks Autism Network: A letter from a CAN Hockey parent

Former hockey player gives back at CAN Skate

Kourosh Ershad: From CAN Hockey to North Van Minor; living his dream

Goalie with autism finds calling coaching hockey

Brayden at the CAN Pro-Am: “The best weekend of my life”

April 1, 2021

We could not do what we do without community support. Every contribution matters. As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April, we are excited to share eight different ways that local businesses throughout the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Interior are raising vital funding for the cause!

With 1 in 40 BC children diagnosed with autism, the need for support is greater than ever. Help us build a world where every individual on the autism spectrum is understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces.

Consider visiting one of these local businesses this month!

Meridian Farm Market | April
Across Lower Mainland

This Lower Mainland chain of grocery stores has been a CAN supporter and champion of inclusive employment for years. Last April, Meridian Farm Market raised over $18,000 for CAN! This year, they’ve added some new items to their annual wings and rice cripsy square fundraiser.

  • Locations: Mission, Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam, Langley, White Rock, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver. Find a store near you
  • Wings Special: $1 of every pound of wings sold throughout the month of April will go to CAN!
  • Treat Specials: Proceeds from the sales of blue raspberry kettle corn, chocolate dipped rice crispy squares, and blueberries will be going to CAN.

Papa John’s | April
Surrey

Run by a CAN family, the King George Blvd location has a long history supporting the cause. In 2019, they invited participants to submit recipes for their new #CANPizza! And this past year, they have been an invaluable partner in our Employment Services and Programs.

  • Location: 10558 King George Blvd, Surrey
  • Specialty Pizza: $1 from every Specialty Pizza bought for delivery or pick up at the Papa John’s on King George Blvd throughout the month of April will go to CAN! Order now.

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing | April
Parksville

This brewery is dedicated to giving back to their Central Vancouver Island community. Each guest that purchases a taster flight is asked to choose between one of two local charities to support! Drop by and let your order contribute to CAN!

  • Location: 109-425 Standford Ave E, Parksville
  • Flight Special: Throughout all of April, CAN supporters can order a flight and choose to have $1 of the sale go to CAN! In response to the latest provincial health orders, the brewery’s indoor area is closed, but you can enjoy your flights on their beautiful outdoor patio or picnic area!

Herbaland | March 31 – April 14
Online

This Richmond-based vitamin and supplement producer is new to the CAN and Canucks family of supporters! This past March 31, they were set to be the presenting sponsor for the Canucks’ 3rd Annual Autism Acceptance Game at Rogers Arena.

  • Locations: Online and in store. Use their Store Locator to find a store near you
  • Merch and Gummy Sales: 100% of merch sales and 10% of vitamin and supplement gummy sales support CAN! Valid from March 31-April 14, 2021.

ZYIA Active | April
Online

Based out of the Okanagan, Paige Ternoway is an Education Assistant who has worked with countless CAN participants first-hand. As a representative of ZYIA Active, Paige and her team are donating proceeds of her sales every year to CAN!

  • Location: Online
  • Active wear sales: For the entire month of April, Paige is donating 20% of her commission to CAN! Shop now!

F45 | April
Vancouver

Functional training delivered worldwide! Committed to inclusion in their studio spaces, F45’s Vancouver location has chosen to support CAN this April.

  • Location: 1348 Granville St, Vancouver
  • Accepting Donations: F45 will be collecting donations throughout the month of April for CAN from their members.

*F45 is welcoming their members for workouts that abide by provincial health orders only.

Treaźe | April 17
Kelowna

Organized by a pair of CAN volunteers in Kelowna, take their treasure hunt challenge in support of the cause! The treasure hunt follows all health and safety precautions and has been approved by the City of Kelowna.

  • Location: The treasure hunt takes place across Kelowna, sign up online
  • Treasure Hunt: Take part in this exciting treasure hunt all across the City of Kelowna! There are prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! Plus – 90% of the proceeds are going to CAN!

CAN Raffle | Enter by May 1
Online

Throughout their careers, the Sedins were always quick to support CAN at our community events and fundraisers. Now, Elias Pettersson is continuing the tradition of elite hockey and community support in Vancouver. Own signed jerseys from all three Canucks superstars past and present!

  • Location: Buy tickets online
  • Jersey Raffle: Win ALL 3 Canucks jerseys signed by Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, and Elias Pettersson! Buy a ticket for $5, three for $5 or ten for $20. Enter by Sat, May 1 at 10 PM.

Must be 19+ and within BC.

 

We believe every autistic individual has the right to meaningful employment. That’s why this past February, we held the first-ever CAN Virtual Job Fair!

Made possible with funding from the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, the inaugural event was part of the national Employment Recovery Project.

The project began with an all-too-familiar question. How do we create a meaningful opportunity to engage with employers, while staying safe and physically distanced? After seeing the success of CAN’s new virtual programs, we looked to a similar online format!

Our Employment Services Team quickly got to work in the new year to bring together a diverse group of businesses, employment services agencies and programs over Zoom.

11 employers, including RBC and London Drugs.
12 employment organizations, like posAbilities and WorkBC.

View the full list of participating organizations >>

Interest and support came from all fronts, as our friends at Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility generously signed on to provide live captioning and ASL interpretations for all Zoom sessions.

With an exciting roster of groups eager to present their opportunities, we put the call out to our youth and adult members – Let 2021 be the year you kick start your job search! The response was immediate with over 150 registering.

With 29 presentations scheduled over the course of the month, the CAN Virtual Job Fair was organized week-by-week to simulate the employment journey.

The first week of sessions aimed to showcase resources to assist in the pre-employment stage. Groups like CI Employment and EmploymentWorks Canada showed job seekers how to access resources like job coaching and consultations. Meanwhile, Back In Motion led a series of workshops on resume building, interviewing and job search techniques.

“I checked out webinars from Orbital Learning and WorkBC. I really enjoyed both and took detailed notes,” said Andrew Sew, an adult job seeker.

“This is going to be very helpful in supporting my job search,” Andrew said.

After learning about groups that can support their job search, attendees heard directly from businesses with immediate opportunities, like KPMG and Ernst &  Young. And in the final week, job seekers attended a series of workshops that focused on long-term success in the workforce, like mental health and safety.

posAbilities were among the organizations that promoted their employment services to attendees via Zoom.Meridian Farm Market CFO Brody McDearmid was among the 11 participating employers. A longtime CAN supporter and champion for inclusive employment (2019 Autism BC Inclusive Employer of the Year), Brody was one of the first to sign up for the CAN Virtual Job Fair.

“There is a solid business case in hiring inclusively,” said Brody.

“Individuals with diversabilities have a lot to offer. We had a Q&A after our presentation and the group was so engaged and eager to learn more. It was a fantastic experience.”

Kyle Kozak, an Apprenticeship Advisor from the Industry Training Authority (ITA), was also quick to highlight how the digital platform still allowed for valuable interaction with job seekers.

“We were so pleased with the level of interest in the ongoing Zoom chat. I am eager to work with any candidates interested in starting an apprenticeship!”

While the majority of attendees were job seekers on the spectrum, we also welcomed parents seeking to support the employment journey. One of them was longtime CAN parent, Jo Sears, whose son Beau is a mainstay on the Vancouver Orcas hockey team.

“Every parent wonders what adulthood will bring for their child, and this is brought into sharper focus by an autism diagnosis.”

“Beau is in Grade 10 and his transition to adulthood is looming large. There are so many more opportunities and supports than I dared hope for. For years, I’ve been filled with trepidation, but this experience has left me so optimistic!”

The CAN Virtual Job Fair officially wrapped up on February 26. But for countless individuals on the spectrum like Beau and Andrew, their employment journey has just begun. We cannot wait to see how this month-long experience impacts our community in the years to come.

Check out CAN’s ongoing Employment Services! Personalized support for both job seekers and employers. Paid skills training and experience.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the first-ever CAN Virtual Job Fair such a success for job seekers and employers alike!

Full list of participating organizations

Employers:

Employment organizations:

Communication Accessibility: