Category: Success Stories

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Dear CAN Community,

Hi, my name is Lewis, and I’m a proud CAN participant.

I’ve had the chance to do all these fun things with CAN like multisport, summer camp, baseball, golf and swimming lessons. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of those things if it wasn’t for CAN.

It makes me feel really good inside to be able to do CAN programs with my brother because then it’s not just me having a fun time, it’s Owen too. We went to camp together last summer and I know he enjoyed it because he was jumping up and down, and he was doing his screech. He only makes that sound when he’s really happy. It was just so much fun to be able to be there together.

Give kids like Lewis & Owen the gift of belonging.

With just $30, you can open the door to a life-changing community of support. Donate now >

There have been times when Owen does his screech, and people think he’s screaming in pain or something. I really don’t like when people stare at him. It doesn’t make either of us feel good. I just wish people weren’t so quick to judge.

When I’m at a CAN program and I’m with my brother, it makes me feel so at ease because I know people will be nice and that we can just be ourselves. Nobody will judge us. I’ve described this to my parents, but it just feels like people get me at CAN, and I get them.

If only I could feel like that wherever I go.

I just want to say to the donors to CAN, thank you very much. You help a lot of kids like me and my brother, and we can’t thank you enough.  

Sincerely,
Lewis, a CAN participant

More CAN stories

“CAN is the one place that truly sees him.”

“CAN gave Madison a place to shine.”

“CAN didn’t just give Lando confidence, they gave him a lifesaving skill.”

 

Dear CAN Community,

My name is Jenn, and I have two sons on the autism spectrum. My husband, Dave, is also Autistic. 

When I became pregnant with Lewis, our first-born, we were very excited. It was a really easy delivery, and everything seemed to be going well.

As things progressed, Lew started to show signs of speech delays and other challenges. It took almost a year on the wait list to get the autism assessment, then at three and a half years old, Lewis got the diagnosis.

I remember that day so clearly. Dave and I sat by the water, and I just started crying because I didn’t know what life would look like. We really didn’t know much about autism at the time. As a first-time mom, you have an expectation that your child is going to hit all these milestones, and they’re going to be on teams, and have a certain kind of life. Suddenly, all of that changed.  It felt like we were jumping into the unknown.

When we first shared Lewis’s diagnosis with friends and family, I felt so nervous and protective.

I didn’t want anyone to see him differently or treat him any less than before. But I did want people to recognize the challenges he faced and show a little more patience and openness. We are very lucky to have such a supportive family who immediately went to bat for Lewis.

Campbell Family

When we became pregnant with Owen, we were very excited again. We found out that it was going to be another boy, but autism didn’t really cross my mind.

Owen came seven weeks early and weighed just four  pounds. Even in the NICU, he was just the happiest baby I’d ever seen, and he was developing really well. But slowly, there started to be signs. By the time he was 18 months old, we kind of knew where things were headed again.

We got on another wait list and eventually had Owen assessed. Going through the assessment for the second time helped Dave confirm what he had already been thinking. This time around, it wasn’t just my son being diagnosed, but my husband as well.

With 1 in 25 BC kids now being diagnosed, the need for support is greater than ever.

A donation will help us respond to the overwhelming demand for our programs. Give a gift >

Knowing Dave’s on the spectrum has definitely strengthened our relationship. I have a better understanding of him now, and why certain things can be overwhelming for him. I think it’s made us better parents, too. He now recognizes things he struggled with as a child and truly understands what our boys are going through.

Living with three people on the autism spectrum can make for some pretty interesting days. Lewis and Dave are quite similar in the way they present in their autism. Their personalities are also quite similar. Owen’s needs are much higher and need to be met around the clock.

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, because all three of them have different needs, often all at once. I’m constantly trying to balance things so everyone’s happy, enjoying what they like, and not being pushed to do things they don’t like. At the same time, we’re trying to be a family, which sometimes means splitting up, Dave with one child, me with the other. Or me taking both to something that might be too much for Dave. Our family ends up looking a little different from most and that’s ok.

What isn’t ok is how we’re often treated in public. Owen screeches when he’s happy, and for a long time, it made me anxious to leave the house because of people’s reactions. When we’re out with Lewis, he’s often masking or hiding his autism. He can be a bit quirky, but he doesn’t stand out, so most people can handle it. It doesn’t feel too uncomfortable for them.

But I get really upset and overwhelmed by the way people react to Owen. He’s so loving and carefree, like this gentle giant. But people look at him in a really hurtful way, like something’s wrong with him. The looks still sting. They feel like a punch in the gut.

Because of this lack of acceptance, we never really felt like our family belonged.  Thankfully, that all changed, when we found CAN.  

Give a family like the Campbells the gift of belonging.

With just $30, you can open the door to a life-changing community of support. Donate now >

Owen’s first experience with CAN was their multisport program, and with his high needs, I was very nervous. It was a new place, and he clearly wasn’t happy about it, so we had to kind of coerce him into the gym. I felt scared even leaving the area, let alone the building.

I started to walk down the hallway, and I could already hear his happy sounds. I could hear him squealing and screeching and giggling, and I immediately felt a wave of relief. In this building, you can go upstairs and watch through a window. So I did. And he was having the greatest time.

His support worker was incredible. He spent the entire time engaging with Owen in ways that Owen genuinely enjoyed. Even though Owen wasn’t doing exactly what the other kids were, he was so happy. I’d never seen an adult outside of our family take the time to truly interact with him, to play with him, get to know him, and meet him where he is. It really felt like this person wanted to connect with Owen.

It was amazing to witness a child who doesn’t often have these kinds of opportunities being included. Seeing Owen respond and connect in return meant the world to me.

I finally felt like I could take a breath. I finally found people who really understood his needs. They talked to him, got to know him, and treated him like part of the group. Even though he didn’t respond verbally, they still made sure that he felt like he belonged and could do the same things other kids do. Just in a different way.

A $30 donation provides an hour of direct participant support in the multisport program. Donate now >

I don’t feel scared at drop-off anymore. In so many other situations, if Owen were struggling, we’d get a call asking us to pick him up right away. But CAN doesn’t send him home. They meet him where he’s at and help him work through it.

I honestly wouldn’t trust Owen in any other setting, and I don’t know that he would even be welcomed anywhere else. CAN is the one place that truly sees him, includes him, and gives him the chance to be part of a community. They’ve been just as wonderful with Lew. He looks forward to every activity with CAN and feels such pride in being part of something where he belongs.

As a mom, I’m just so grateful to everyone who supports CAN. Thank you for giving families like ours a place where our kids are understood, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Sincerely,
Jenn, a CAN mom

More CAN stories

“CAN gave Madison a place to shine.”

Jack: Thriving in the workplace

“CAN didn’t just give Lando confidence, they gave him a lifesaving skill.”

 

Hear from the man, the myth, the legend himself!

Bob Shanks recently surpassed $500,00 raised all-time for CAN. We sat down with Bob to re-live his story from the early years to today.


Watch the full interview with Bob or read the transcript below!

Bob, what is the incredible milestone you just reached for Canucks Autism Network?

I recently reached half a million dollars raised for CAN.

How long did it take you to get to that number?

Thirteen years. It’s always going to be all for the kids. It’s all for the community.

I’m on the autism spectrum and when I think about other people with autism, you have to have the mindset that you can. You can do it.

Don’t have it in your in your mind that you can’t.

I raise the money for sports programs like learning to swim and learning to play basketball. Some people tell kids with autism they can’t do it. But when they go to the CAN programs and they achieve it, then they can prove those people wrong.

How did you get started fundraising for CAN?

So in the early years, I was fundraising for the CAN Family Festival.

I first got involved in 2012 when I met Emily Stuible, who was running the event. She said, “How would you feel about raising money for CAN?”

And the rest is history.

Bob and Emily in the early years.

The first year I brought in, $4,000. And I just built from there.

In 2016, I was the top individual fundraiser. I got interviewed by CanucksTV, and Trevor Linden was asked about about me and my fundraising. He said, “It’s amazing what you can do with passion.”

Canucks legend and former president Trevor Linden joined Bob congratulated Bob on-stage for raising $31,230 for the 2016 CAN Family Festival!

Now you do all your work fundraising through the CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament. Tell us about that event.

This is my seventh year doing the CAN Pro-Am. Last year, we had Mason Raymond on our team and he’s an awesome guy.

I’ve had Brendan Morrison on Team Bob Shanks five of the seven years. B-Mo’s a beaut. If he’s draftable this year, I’m not going to hold back. I’m going to take him again.

Bob with Canucks Alumni Mason Raymond and Brendan Morrison at the CAN Pro-Am.

More recently, you’ve also started volunteering for CAN. So not only do you fundraise, you also donate your time, which is amazing. Tell us about that.

Volunteering at the programs has been super special because I get to see the other side of the coin. People ask me, “What does can do and how does the money that I will give support?”

When I go to the to the programs, I can see firsthand the money that I raise, what it does.

The last Family Experience I was volunteering at was at a farm in Abbotsford. And I was the Easter Bunny. I remember going to the break room and there were some kids hanging out there. When I came back out, they were still waiting for me and their mom asked me for a photo.

Bob volunteering as the Easter Bunny at a recent CAN Family Experience!

It was just lots of photos and lots of smiles. I told Marco, I would definitely do it again!

Every Tuesday, I also go into the office to make different materials for the programs. I always love going in to see Maria. She’s awesome.

Bob and Christian Aquilini volunteering their time in the office.

This other time time, I taught this kid how to shoot the basketball. And I told him to shoot like you’re reaching your hand in the cookie jar. And he made the shot.

And then he came back to me with all smiles and gave me a big high five. And I thought that was pretty special.

How many people do you think you’ve asked to donate?

Since 2012, I have probably asked over a thousand people on Instagram, Facebook messenger, email, text.

Donations vary from $5 to $5000, but every dollar counts.

In the 13 years that I’ve fundraised for CAN, every year there’s different experiences, exposures… Different good times. Being part of the CAN family… Everyone is so special and I feel like they’re part of my extended family basically.

What motivates you to do what you do, Bob?

When I say it’s all for the kids, I mean it’s all for them. For them to go and do something that they want to do and that they can do.

I feel like one donation at a time puts smiles on faces.

 

Want to support Bob? You can donate to his CAN Pro-Am fundraising campaign at canproam.ca/bob.shanks!

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Canucks, Whitecaps & Lions lead the way at CAN Sports Day

2023 CAN Pro-Am: Over $1.07 million raised with NHL Alumni!

Brayden: “I believe I can be something in this world.”

We’ve been involved with CAN for almost ten years.

Our first introduction to the organization was the CAN Sports Day at BC Place. And it was one of the coolest experiences to be around so many other families like ours.

What I’ve found really valuable over the years is that sense of belonging from knowing that there are other families who may be experiencing the same kind of challenges.

CAN has really helped to create a sense of belonging and community. And just to be around people who really loved sport and that wanted to make sure that everybody had an opportunity to play has been so great.

My son Maddox has been in involved in so many other CAN programs, from swimming lessons to multisport and more recently, ice hockey.

The programs are so accessible. I know that the staff are going to be able to meet his needs and be able to teach fundamental movement and sports skills in a way that is specific and unique to Maddox’s needs.

This past spring, he joined CAN baseball and he was really excited to learn a new sport.

We went to an MLB game recently, and that really sparked an interest for him. Also, his cousin plays softball, and I think he was really interested in wanting to someday play with her.

Maddox is really curious about learning new ways to play and be active. And I’ve just always known that I could feel safe with him being in a program without me having to be there. There’s so much safety and security in that.

As parents, we’re always looking for ways to ensure that our our kids are feeling included and that programs are meeting their needs. And I’ve never had to worry about that with CAN.

I feel like we are growing with CAN.

We’ve been with the programs for ten years. And it’s just great to see that new programs that address and support youth and adults are being developed and offered.

I just see us continuing to grow with the CAN family!

More CAN stories

“CAN gave Madison a place to shine.”

Jack: Thriving in the workplace

“CAN didn’t just give Lando confidence, they gave him a lifesaving skill.”

Dear CAN Community,

When Madison entered the world eight weeks early, weighing just four pounds and eleven ounces, she immediately faced an uphill battle. Too weak to lift her arms or even suck, she was fed through a tube and slept close to 23 hours a day. After two months in the NICU, Madison was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle tone, development, sleep, and appetite.

When we were finally able to bring her home, she still relied on a feeding tube and needed overnight nursing care due to severe central apnea. Our days quickly filled with specialist appointments, therapies, and navigating the unknown.

As her mom, I had long suspected autism as well. I noticed her stimming, rocking back and forth, but her complex medical needs always took priority. She wasn’t officially diagnosed with autism until age seven, after years of delays and waitlists made worse by the pandemic.

Despite the challenges she faced, I was determined to help Madison thrive. We tried countless programs for children with disabilities. Some were helpful, but none offered the tailored support she truly needed.

Then we found Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

With 1 in 25 BC kids now being diagnosed, the need for support is greater than ever.

A donation will help us respond to the overwhelming demand for our programs. Give a gift >

Our first experience was the CAN multisport program in West Kelowna. From day one, Madison felt like she had found her people. The coaches took the time to get to know her, not just her needs, but her personality and interests, including her love of baby dolls.

In fact, last season, when a few porcelain dolls were donated to CAN’s Kelowna office, Jarret, the Regional Lead, not even Madison’s direct support worker, knew about her love of dolls and invited her to choose one. It was a small gesture that spoke volumes, showing how deeply every person at CAN cares and takes the time to truly know each child.

A $30 donation provides an hour of direct participant support in the multisport program. Donate now >

CAN’s programs are not one-size-fits-all. They’re thoughtfully designed for each child, which made all the difference for Madison. For once, she wasn’t just participating, she was included. And she finally found something she deeply longed for: social connection.

Friendships are so important for Madison. With two outgoing sisters who often head off to playdates and team sports, she’s always watching from the sideline. She didn’t have anything of her own until CAN gave her a place to shine. CAN is her thing now, and that’s huge. It gives her a sense of pride, and everyone deserves to feel that.

Last summer, while visiting her grandparents, Madison attended a CAN summer camp. She built friendships and connections she still talks about today. Now, she proudly tells me, “Those are my friends.” 

That sense of belonging is priceless.

As a mom, seeing Madison feel accepted, included, and proud of who she is — that’s everything. Because of CAN, she’s not just part of a program. She’s part of a community. 

To the donors who make this possible, thank you. Your support gives kids like Madison more than just opportunities. You give them a place to belong.

Thank you,
Lindsay, a CAN mom

Until August 28, donations are being matched by an anonymous donor (up to $10,000). Donate now >

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“To us, CAN is like a big family.”

“At CAN events, I don’t have to worry.”

 

Meet Jack!

Last spring, Jack participated in our popular Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) in Vancouver.

Since 2021, we have been proud to offer CAN-STEP for Autistic youth and adults across the Lower Mainland. And this month, we are excited to expand the program to Kelowna!

Explore all CAN Employment Programs & Services >

Through the program, Autistic job seekers join us in the office for up to five days a week. Our facilitators support them in completing valuable certifications, like First Aid and SUPERHOST customer service training, while teaching pre-employment skills, like resumé writing, interviewing, and workplace communication.

Once their training is complete, they embark on a 120-hour work experience placement in the hospitality industry.

Jack completed his placement at Nature’s Fare in White Rock.

Do you want to host a work experience for CAN-STEP? Reach out to us in the Lower Mainland or Kelowna!

In fact, Jack is one of 25 participants to complete a work experience placement this past year!

And among them, he is also one of the 56% who have retained ongoing employment after completing the program.

Compared to the national employment rate of 20% among Autistic adults,¹ we’re thrilled to be creating more opportunities for our participants to enter and thrive in the workforce.

After his placement was completed, we had a quick Q&A with Jack. We hope it helps our community understand what CAN-STEP is all about!

How did you get involved in CAN-STEP?

My mum heard about the program through a friend, not long after I was diagnosed with autism.

I had just graduated from high school and didn’t have a plan for the future yet. We applied because it seemed like it was a good idea for me, to help me get ready to find work.

What are some of your favourite memories from the program?

I really liked meeting some new people in the program and going to the movies with them. The field trip to the Vancouver Aquarium was the best, because my cousin works there and he showed me what it’s like.

I also liked staying with my brother in Vancouver to be closer to the CAN office for the first set of sessions, even though he made me do the dishes!

When it was time to start my work experience placement, it was nice that Nicole (CAN-STEP Facilitator) met me at the store to help me go through the interview.

Can you walk us through a typical shift at Nature’s Fare?

Sometimes it depends on the day, because I can help in a few different departments now.

I started with stocking the shelves, but now I can do cash or work in grocery. I help customers find what they need on the shelves and I am memorizing the codes for produce.

What are your plans or dreams for the future?

Right now, I am happy to stay part time. But I know one day I will have to work more, so that I can get my own apartment and maybe a dog!

The store has already given me more hours each week, and I think it is a good place to work. My manager told me I was doing a good job. My co-workers are really nice too.

Do you know someone who could benefit from an experience like Jack’s?

Send them to the CAN Skills Training Employment Program webpage to learn more!

We now offer eight cohorts per year in the Lower Mainland (ages 16+) and Kelowna (ages 15-30).

Applications are welcome year-round. Eligibilty requirements apply.

CAN-STEP in Vancouver is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. Our Kelowna program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) program.

¹Government of Canada, 2023

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“Mom, I’m really happy today.”

Maxwell: “Listen to us and amplify our voices”

Dear CAN community,

Five years ago, our lives changed forever. Our son Lando was diagnosed with autism.

From a very young age, Lando didn’t like the water. He wouldn’t even let us get his head wet in the bath. He’d physically block me or scream.

We do a lot of watersports as a family in Peachland, so Lando needed to learn to swim.

When I enrolled him in CAN Swim, I didn’t know how it would go.

At the first session, Lando didn’t want to let go of my hand. But then it was like he realized that he was with CAN and in a good place. The way the staff interacted with him was just so wonderful. They had clearly read about his interests and were prepared with visuals that would motivate him. It was like they knew Lando before even meeting him.

Help us continue teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills to children like Lando. Donate now >

The CAN staff could sense Lando’s agitation before it came on and would pause in the water and play a game with him. Their approach to get him back to swimming was phenomenal.

Seeing him gleefully splashing blew me away. He’d look over at me to make sure I was watching with a big grin on his face. He then started asking to stay in the pool after the lessons. He even jumped in and got his head wet.

We’re now excited to introduce him to waterslides and no longer worry about our trips to Peachland.

CAN programs aren’t just for the child, they are just as much for the parents. CAN allows me to let go of the stress and the unknowns and just relax and enjoy – something I haven’t really experienced in the last 5 years. I could never even read. But at CAN swim, I could actually read a book!

I still can’t believe Lando went from not being able to get his head wet, to jumping off the edge of the pool. If it wasn’t for CAN Swim, who knows where we would be today. CAN didn’t just give Lando confidence, they gave him a lifesaving skill. 

Thank you,
Tiffany, a CAN mom

More CAN Stories

“At CAN events, I don’t have to worry.”

Canucks, Whitecaps & Lions lead the way at CAN Sports Day

Why Shawn & Leslie Give: “Our daughter has just flourished.”

 

Dear CAN community,

Six years ago, our son Lando was born.

As first-time parents, we watched with excitement as he achieved his first milestones in record time, walking and talking before his first birthday.

Then when Lando turned one, the progress just stopped. Everyone told me he was an early bloomer taking a break, but as his mom, a part of me knew something was off.

About six months later, Lando was diagnosed with autism.

I remember going through all the emotions, and I had so many questions; What did this mean for Lando?  What challenges was he going to face socially and academically?  How am I going to be able to support him?  My priority was to ensure that I gave him all the tools necessary to thrive in this world.

My name is Tiffany and I’m a proud mom to my six-year-old son, Lando.

Lando is a very detail-oriented kid and tends to fixate on certain interests.  First, it was dinosaurs. We read encyclopedias and watched documentaries to learn everything we could about dinosaurs. Then he moved onto Safari animals and memorized this one elephant’s life story. He loved to recite the documentary to anyone he could. He’s since moved onto racecars, which means that I’m now a Formula 1 subscriber. His favourite team is Red Bull.

With 1 in 30 BC kids now being diagnosed, the need for support is greater than ever.

A donation will help us respond to the overwhelming demand for our programs. Give a gift >

As a sport-loving family, Lando started playing soccer at a very young age. He played day and night, running around our kitchen island. We set up a net in our house, but I really wanted him to gain social skills and to know what it was like to be on a team.

After overcoming my many anxieties, I finally decided to enroll Lando in a community soccer program. I thought he would enjoy it and that it would support his social skills, but I quickly learned that it had the opposite effect.

Lando couldn’t concentrate and found it hard to follow the coach’s instructions.  He wouldn’t engage with the group and would often run away from them. The instructors tried to include him, but some eventually just gave up. Most practices, I ended up chasing him around the field. I was the only parent on the field trying to encourage their child and I could feel the eyes staring at us. Week after week, I’d leave the field in tears feeling judged, defeated and helpless.

That’s when I started looking into other organizations that may be better suited to Lando’s needs. When I found CAN, things totally changed.

A donation of $25 will provide a family access to a year of supported community events and experiences. Donate now >

CAN’s instructors were patient, caring and had the training needed to ensure that every child was successful. They provided the extra support that community programs simply couldn’t offer. They even used the same behavioral tools we used at home and introduced us to new ones that we now use. From the one-on-one support to the patience, encouragement and expertise of the staff, the experience was night and day.

We have a strong home team and a good team at school, but the biggest shift happened when Lando started at CAN. Before CAN, he had major social anxieties and didn’t want me to leave his side. Now, he actually wants to do things on his own. It’s just been so great to see him flourish the way he has with CAN’s support.

CAN helps to show kids what they can do. They give them the tools, confidence, and independence to succeed in this world. CAN has shown Lando that he can accomplish things without me.  It’s the one place where I can step back, let go of his hand, and watch him grow.

Beyond the programs, CAN gives our family a sense of belonging and acceptance that we don’t get anywhere else. To us, CAN is like a big family. A support network where there is no judgement.  Just love, acceptance, and understanding.

If CAN didn’t exist, our family would be left with feelings of defeat and uncertainty. CAN continues to give us hope. There’s truly no better gift than that. 

Thank you,
Tiffany, a CAN mom

More CAN Stories

“At CAN events, I don’t have to worry.”

Canucks, Whitecaps & Lions lead the way at CAN Sports Day

Why Shawn & Leslie Give: “Our daughter has just flourished.”

Dear CAN community,

Andrea is the kind of person who lights up every room because she is just so full of life and joy.

Whenever we go to a musical performance, she’s always the first to get up dancing. She’s grabbing people’s arms and pulling them onto the dancefloor. She gets the party started. Andrea changes the whole atmosphere and it’s just beautiful.

My name is Libbi and I’ve been a caregiver to Andrea for 10 years. From the day we met, we had this undeniable connection. It was impossible not to love her. Today, there’s nobody I’m closer to in the world.

Andrea only got her autism diagnosis about a year ago when she was 14. That’s when CAN came into our lives, and we entered an unfamiliar world of acceptance and belonging.

The first thing we did with CAN was attend a family event at Bear Creek Park. We just showed up not knowing what to expect and were immediately welcomed by CAN staff and other families. It felt so good to be accepted.

When me and Andrea go out into the community, I’m always on guard. For the most part, people are kind. And it’s getting better. People seem more accepting, and CAN is likely a big part of that. But I’m still always on guard.

At CAN events, I don’t have to worry about funny looks. I don’t need to apologize or explain Andrea’s ways to anyone. I can just completely relax and smile at other families knowingly.

Our Family Experience events welcomed over 16,000 attendees last year. By giving today, you can help us ensure even more families experience this same acceptance.

Give a gift >

I like to keep Andrea busy with events and activities, but it can be challenging, so I’m always searching for things for us to do. When I enrolled Andrea in CAN Swim, I wasn’t sure how it would go and if she would even be willing to participate.

For weeks, she didn’t want to get in the water. She would just put on her swimsuit and sit at the side of the pool. The CAN staff were wonderful and so patient and still made it fun for her. They recognized that she’s also a teenager who likes to do things her way. By the last two classes, the CAN staff had worked their magic, and Andrea was in the water having a blast, proudly showing off her swimming skills.

Connecting with people can be hard for us. Yet, all Andrea wants is to be with people. Through CAN Swim, we got connected to another family and arranged a playdate. At CAN Sports Day, we met another wonderful family and are planning an event together. We’ve just started participating with CAN, and we’ve already met other families and exchanged phone numbers.

Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are up to 160 times more likely to drown?

Your donation will allow us to continue teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Donate today >

It’s not always easy to step back in life with Andrea, but with Canucks Autism Network, I can. The way the staff at CAN support Andrea is just 100% complete. I don’t have any worries which is an unbelievable feeling. I wish our lives felt like that all the time.

Being a part of this network is just huge for us. CAN gives me hope that we can be part of a fun and caring community, and that is such a gift! And CAN feels like such a safe place. A place where people know us and want us to be a part of this community.

Thank you,
Libbi, Andrea’s caregiver

Donate today!

Continued partnership between Canucks Autism Network, Vancouver International Airport, and the Air Canada Foundation increases accessibility for autism community

Richmond, B.C. – Today, individuals on the autism spectrum and their families took part in this year’s first YVR Autism Aviation Days event. The collaborative initiative between Canucks Autism Network (CAN), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and the Air Canada Foundation includes three single-day events during the month of May. 

YVR Autism Aviation Days provides an opportunity for attendees to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a highly-supported environment. The practice run includes checking-in, going through security screening, boarding an Air Canada Express aircraft for a simulated pre-flight experience, and, for the first time this year, a short taxi in the airplane.

The three events will welcome a total of 180 attendees – ranging from families with children and youth on the autism spectrum to Autistic adults looking for experience to travel independently.

“With an estimated 1 in 30 children and youth on the autism spectrum in B.C., events such as these are vital to increasing accessibility and inclusion,” said Sarah Armstrong, Director of Strategic Partnerships with Canucks Autism Network (CAN). “Airport ‘rehearsals’ can greatly benefit Autistic individuals and their families by increasing predictability and decreasing stress.”

The initiative began between CAN and YVR in 2014. After 10 years, the events have made a positive difference for more than 500 individuals.

“Travel is essential to maintaining human connections, expanding our experiences, and accessing essential services. By offering neurodiverse individuals and their families the chance to rehearse the pre-flight process, we open doors to important travel possibilities,” stated Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. “We are proud to partner with CAN and Air Canada to create these experiences and thank the many government agencies and businesses at the airport for their support with this initiative.”

“Travelling should be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to help make that possible through initiatives like this with the help of our employees at Air Canada and of our partner, Jazz Aviation LP,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “In bringing these simulated pre-flight experiences to fruition again, this time in Vancouver, for children with autism and their families, we hope they can develop the confidence and comfort to take that much anticipated trip together soon.”

“We believe in providing accessible and inclusive travel experiences for everyone,” said Kirk Newhook, Vice President of Employee Relations and Operations Support at Jazz Aviation LP. “Jazz is proud to take an important role in providing these experiences to families through our participating flight and cabin crew members, and those contributing behind the scenes of this initiative, which also serves as a learning opportunity for Jazz on supporting diverse travellers.”

In addition to the rehearsal, each family receives a YVR Sensory Resource Kit, which includes noise-cancelling headphones, an airport map, and check-list to support Autistic travellers or anyone with sensory sensitivities. The kit is available year-round from any pre-security YVR Customer Care counter.

More information and select digital resources can also be accessed at Accessibility Travel Resources | YVR.

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

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Media Contact
Lindsay Petrie
Director, Marketing and Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

About Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Media Contact
YVR Media Relations
media_relations@yvr.ca

About Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2022 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2022 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

Air Canada Foundation Media Contact
media@aircanada.ca