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Burnaby, BC – On Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Canucks Autism Network (CAN) will host the first-ever CAN Relay 4 Autism at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. The free family-friendly outdoor event will feature carnival games, bouncy castles, food trucks, live entertainment and a vendor marketplace. The relay portion of the event will invite attendees to run, walk, or wheel around the track, many of whom have been raising funds to support CAN’s programming and training initiatives across BC.

Key event components featuring individuals with autism:

  • National anthem to be performed by 9-year-old Jayden Weiss who has autism and was non-verbal just four years ago.
  • Event to be emceed by Ryan Chilton, a young adult with autism and guest PA announcer for the Vancouver Canucks.
  • On-stage performances by Sirota’s Alchymy Martial Arts, 13th Floor rock band and Mayday Youth Club Choir, all featuring performers with autism and other diagnoses.

Leading up to the event, relay participants committed to a target number of laps around the track and collected pledges from friends, family and co-workers to reach their fundraising goal. In addition to raising funds, the event aims to promote autism acceptance, understanding and inclusion in the community at large. A Sensory Friendly Space with reduced sensory input and noise-cancelling headphones will be available for anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed and in need of a quiet environment.

“Our vision at Canucks Autism Network is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces and this event is a public display of this commitment,” said Britt Andersen, CEO of Canucks Autism Network. “The CAN Relay 4 Autism will enable us to raise vital funds while celebrating the many capabilities and successes of individuals with autism. With 1 in 46 BC children now being diagnosed with autism, the need for support is greater than ever.”

Media are encouraged to enter through the south west corner of the stadium. CAN CEO Britt Andersen and select families living with autism will be available for interviews. Please RSVP to lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca and check in at the Media Check-In Tent upon arrival.

The CAN Relay 4 Autism is proudly sponsored by Vancouver International Airport (YVR), G&F Financial Group, Microsoft, Burnaby Fire Fighters Charitable Society, Colorific, Clark’s Audio Visual Services Ltd, Super Save Group, DJ Relly Rels, TableTutors DJ Academy and Party Works.

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ABOUT CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (CAN)
Founded by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners Paolo and Clara Aquilini in 2008, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year-round sports and recreation programs for individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.

Since its inception in 2008, CAN has directly impacted over 4,700 individuals with autism province-wide.

ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is characterized by difficulties with social communication, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviour, as well as a wide range of individual strengths, interests and abilities.

  • 1 in 46 children in BC is diagnosed with autism.
  • There are over 16,000 children and youth with autism in BC alone.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Lindsay Petrie
Director of Marketing and Communications, Canucks Autism Network
P: 604-685-4049 ext 213
M: 604-788-8565
E: lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

June 4, 2019

CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK APPOINTS NEW CEO TO TAKE ORGANIZATION TO NEXT LEVEL

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Canucks Autism Network (CAN) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Britt Andersen as Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective June 24, 2019.

Britt joins CAN from The Terry Fox Foundation where he served as Executive Director, providing leadership to 45 staff and 16,880 volunteers, across 10 Canadian offices. An award-winning leader, Britt brings business, fundraising and non-profit acumen and a record of accomplishment in environments that demand creative solutions and continuous improvement.

“We are excited to welcome Britt to the CAN team and feel that he is the right person to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and development,” said CAN Founder, Paolo Aquilini. “I am confident that under Britt’s direction CAN will be well positioned to empower more individuals and families living with autism to live rich and full lives, while increasing acceptance and understanding of autism in the community at large.”

“We have selected a very strong leader at a time when CAN is in a very strong position,” stated Bill Macdonald, the Chair of the CAN Board. “Britt’s proven ability to drive growth and build effective teams, paired with his broad background and expertise, make him uniquely equipped to successfully lead CAN moving forward,” stated Bill.

“I am thrilled and honoured to accept this position and simply cannot wait to get to work,” said incoming CEO, Britt Andersen. “I look forward to the new challenges this role offers and hope to make an immediate and positive impact on delivering CAN’s vision of understanding, acceptance and support for every individual with autism in all community spaces.”

For more information about Canucks Autism Network, please visit www.canucksautism.ca.

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About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year-round sports and recreation programs to individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.

Jan 11, 2019

This past December, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Manager of Programs, Elisabeth Walker-Young, received the incredible honour of being named to the Order of Canada. As per a statement from the Governor General, Elisabeth has been appointed “for her excellence in the sport of swimming and for her advocacy of inclusive sport in Canada.”

We are overjoyed that Elisabeth’s tireless work to promote accessibility has been so highly recognized  on a national level. We welcomed Elisabeth to our office team in September 2017. She joined CAN as a highly-experienced advocate and changemaker for inclusion in sports — both as an athlete and a professional.

As a competitive swimmer, Elisabeth is a four-time Paralympian that has won three gold medals for Team Canada. At the 2015 ParaPanAmerican Games, she was chosen for the role of chef de mission (official leader and spokesperson) for Team Canada – an honour that foreshadowed her career in affecting positive change.

Elisabeth Walker-Young speaks at a press conference with the Canadidan Paralympic team
Photo from games.paralympic.ca.

After retiring from competition, Elisabeth took on managerial roles with ParaSport Ontario, Curl BC, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and viaSport BC, before joining CAN.

In celebration of her appointment, Elisabeth was interviewed this week by Accessible Media Inc (AMI) in Toronto. In addition to speaking about her lived experience as an athlete with a disability, Elisabeth reflected on the province-wide impact on individuals and families living with autism that she now helps oversee with CAN.

“I absolutely love [working at CAN], because it’s an organization that truly believes in sharing their knowledge. We provide that intro to sports, but a huge part of what we do is training,” Elisabeth explained.

Listen to the full 14-minute interview with AMI.

“From a capacity issue, we can’t offer [every possible sports and rec program], so we train the sports sector, recreation sector, first responders. We train anyone in the community to be inclusive and to understand what autism is so that there are more positive experiences in the community.”

On being named to the Order of Canada, Elisabeth had this to say: “It’s a huge honour, but my work isn’t done. I know there’s still so much more to do and so much more to give.”

With passionate leaders like Elisabeth at the helm of our province-wide efforts, we are so excited for what the future of CAN programs, training and awareness initiatives holds.

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Jan 8, 2019

FREE E-LEARNING MODULE LAUNCHES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BC PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION

In an innovative effort to increase accessibility for individuals with autism in community recreation, Canucks Autism Network (CAN), in partnership with BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), has launched a free E-Learning Module for recreation providers across BC. Funded by the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD), the online resource represents an unprecedented collaborative effort among government, recreation, and the non-profit autism sector.

The one-hour online module outlines behaviours associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as effective strategies for supporting children and youth with autism in recreation settings. The interactive module also highlights interviews with experienced recreation leaders who have successfully implemented these strategies, which include communication tips, behavior support, and teaching tools. The E-Learning Module can be accessed at no cost at elearn.bcrpa.bc.ca or canucksautism.ca/recreation.

“Canucks Autism Network has been providing workshops to the recreation sector since 2012, and demand grows exponentially every year,” said Dr. Stephanie Jull, VP of Programs and Training at Canucks Autism Network. “This new online training module provides an exciting opportunity to spread knowledge and build capacity across BC and beyond, creating a positive impact for the thousands of families living with autism in our province.”

The project began after CAN successfully pitched the need for a widely-accessible online resource to the MCFD in 2017. With 1 in 66 Canadian children diagnosed with autism, and over 16,000 children and youth with autism in BC alone, MCFD recognized the growing need for community accessibility.

“All kids deserve the opportunity to participate in sports and other activities,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “I’m pleased that MCFD could collaborate with CAN and BCRPA to bring this specialized training to recreation providers so that they can provide the supports kids need to join in with their peers.”

Research shows that individuals with autism are far less likely to participate in community recreation than their typically-developing peers. Furthermore, research indicates that physical activity can increase attention and cognition while decreasing anxiety, among children and youth with autism.

“We are thrilled to be presenting this valuable E-learning module in partnership with CAN, said Rebecca Tunnacliffe, CEO of BCRPA. Our members who manage and work in recreation facilities across BC hold very highly the importance of creating a positive experience for all their participants. This module will directly assist staff to amplify their awareness of the needs of autistic individuals, and implement strategies to provide them with a positive experience so they will want to return again and again.”

Since 2012, CAN’s province-wide team of training facilitators has delivered hundreds of workshops to well over 10,000 individuals in the public sector across BC. In addition to supporting the sport and recreation sectors, CAN’s live training team builds capacity for first responders, education staff, and a variety community spaces including YVR, Science World, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

CAN is proud to unveil three online training resources for various sectors in January 2019. In addition to the launch of the E-Learning Module for recreation providers, CAN has also released an online training module for first responders and will be unveiling an online resource for sport coaches in late January.

For more information, or to book a live training workshop, please visit canucksautism.ca/training.

Oct 18, 2018

The inaugural Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Pro-Am Hockey Tournament, presented by Modern Green Canada, is set to take place from January 25 to January 27, 2019, at the UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre and Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks. In partnership with the NHL Alumni Association and Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association, the tournament will bring together former NHL greats with amateur players in support of CAN and families living with autism in British Columbia.

Themed as the “Best of BC”, the tournament will feature a uniquely local spin on the classic pro-am format, as each team will include a member of the NHL Alumni who was either born in BC or has competed for the Vancouver Canucks. As 2019 also celebrates the 100-year anniversary of hockey in BC, the CAN Pro-Am is of particular significance to the province’s historic hockey community.

To participate, players need to raise a minimum of $1,500 which will go towards the team’s fundraising total. CAN Pro-Am teams will have the opportunity to select NHL Alumni in the order of their fundraising ranking on Draft Night at The Imperial in Vancouver.

The following NHL Alumni will be draft-eligible, with additional NHL Alumni to be announced soon.

  • Dave Babych
  • Garth Butcher
  • Geoff Courtnall
  • Gerard Diduck
  • Thomas Gradin
  • Chris Higgins
  • David Jones
  • Jyrki Lumme
  • Kirk McLean
  • Dana Murzyn
  • Cliff Ronning
  • Raffi Torres
  • Kyle Wellwood

“We are very proud to announce the upcoming CAN Pro-Am,” said Glenn Healy, Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association. “We know there is strong community support in Vancouver and we look forward to making this an annual success.”

The weekend will also feature a Hot Stove Lounge and Luncheon, where attendees will gain a unique insight about life in the NHL while enjoying a first-class lunch catered by Chef Robert Bartley in the Captain’s Room at Rogers Arena.

“The Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association is proud to be part of this wonderful fundraising initiative that supports one of our key beneficiaries,” said Bob Murray, President of the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association. “Having a Pro-Am with NHL Alumni in Vancouver is a huge plus for the game of hockey and to the families who benefit from Canucks Autism Network programs throughout BC.”

Funds raised from the 2019 CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament will support the delivery of CAN’s sports and recreation programs for children, youth and young adults with autism. An estimated 1 in 66 Canadian children is diagnosed with autism and over 16,000 are impacted in BC alone.

“The CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament represents a unique and valuable opportunity,” said Paolo Aquilini, Vancouver Canucks Co-owner and Canucks Autism Network Co-founder. “While tournament participants spend the weekend making lifelong memories, funds raised will help ensure that individuals with autism province-wide will also have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of sports.”

For more information, or to register your hockey team, please visit www.canproam.com.

CURRENT OFFER: For only $30, receive one year of MedicAlert protection, plus one FREE Canucks Autism Network MedicAlert ID.

  • Free basic MedicAlert ID or CAN MedicAlert ID ($39 value)
  • 12-month MedicAlert service plan

Offer code: AUTWALK19N
Offer expiry: Nov 30, 2019

Call MedicAlert at 1-855-632-5378 (Mon-Fri, 6am-5pm PST) to sign up today!
Or fax in your completed form to 1-800-392-8422.

Oct 16, 2017

Statistics show that approximately 49% of children with autism wander or elope from their parent, guardian or from a safe environment.¹

Individuals with autism can also be hesitant or anxious when interacting with those they are unfamiliar with.

This can present a significant challenge for first responders and healthcare providers to deliver necessary care and attention in emergency situations. That is why the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is so excited to announce that we have collaborated with MedicAlert to increase the safety of individuals with autism nationwide.

MedicAlert is Canada’s leading provider of emergency medical information services. Subscribers of their service are given a unique identification number engraved on their MedicAlert ID which directly links first responders and healthcare providers to their photo, identity and vital medical information. For individuals with autism, their medical profile can include known routines, anxiety triggers and other conditions that may be relevant in an emergency situation.

MedicAlert is offering two unique CAN-branded ID sports bands as part of a special subscription package. For only $30, receive one year of MedicAlert protection, plus one FREE Canucks Autism Network Medicalert ID ($39 value).

To sign up for MedicAlert’s special Canucks Autism Network offer, please call MedicAlert at 1-877-217-7448 from Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm EST (6am-5pm PST).

Or fax in your completed form to 1-800-392-8422.

For families who may already be MedicAlert subscribers or who are interested in purchasing an additional sports band, the cost of a second sports band is eligible for reimbursement through autism funding in British Columbia.

Leading this collaboration with MedicAlert is CAN’s Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Ryan Yao:

“We are so excited to increase safety for individuals with autism nationwide through the Canucks Autism Network MedicAlert ID bracelet. First responders are 7 times more likely to interact with a person with autism than the general public. For that reason, it is crucial for individuals involved in emergency care to understand autism and be prepared to respond effectively and safely to situations involving those with autism.”

In 2016, Ryan also led the charge in providing autism training to over 500 first responders province-wide. With this new MedicAlert initiative, CAN’s autism training will now include details on the program so that first responders will know to quickly identify individuals with autism through the CAN-branded bracelets.

Together with MedicAlert and the first responder community, we are so thrilled to be increasing safety for individuals with autism and peace of mind for their families.

To sign up for MedicAlert’s special Canucks Autism Network offer, please call MedicAlert at 1-877-217-7448 from Monday-Friday, 6am-5pm PST.
Or fax in your completed form to 1-800-392-8422.

*Offer expires Nov 30, 2019.

¹Pediatrics, 2012

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