Category: Success Stories

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Natanya Katz is a Canucks Autism Network (CAN) support worker. This past World Autism Day, she was one of nine individuals on the spectrum who shared what autism acceptance means to them in our video with EY:


For every comment or share on the video until Apr 30, EY will donate $2 to CAN.
See the post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIN!

Throughout the month, we have been taking turns expanding on the stories of each of our video participants. So we asked Natanya: What drives her to work for CAN? What should people know about autism? And why is autism acceptance important?

“It’s important to accept, be open to everyone and enjoy everyone’s unique and individual personalities and abilities,” Natanya said.

As a young woman on the spectrum, her lived experience fuels the understanding and compassion she brings to our programs. Natanya has been with CAN for just over two years. Before being hired as a support worker, she started as a volunteer, supporting kids in our summer programs.

In addition to supporting CAN camps & weekly programs, Natanya (2nd from right) has also volunteered at fundraisers & family experiences!

“My favourite memory at CAN was Overnight Camp on Keats. I remember encouraging one of the campers to let me take him out on the water in a kayak. We saw dozens of seals. His excitement was so rewarding.”

That summer alone, Natanya volunteered in two week-long summer day camps and a full three days at Keats – tirelessly supporting our participants in a range of scenarios.

The following season, Natanya jumped in the pool to support our weekly swimming lessons. Overseeing our swim program at our JCC location in Vancouver was Kaitlin Sterndale-Bennett. Recalling Natanya’s time as a volunteer, Kaitlin had particularly high praise:

“I cannot speak highly enough about Natanya. As a volunteer, she was naturally responsive to the kids, excellent with our visual tools and calm under pressure. She was one of the strongest individuals in the pool.”

Needless to say, Natanya was quickly hired on as a support worker. Her tireless energy, natural ability and clear dedication to helping others are such a benefit to our participants.

Today, she works in CAN’s Active, Multisport, Skate and Music programs.

“I want people to know that people on the autism spectrum are just like everyone else. We have goals and dreams. And we work hard to be successful and achieve them.”

We are so lucky to have individuals like Natanya supporting our participants and families. In addition to guiding our participants in their skill development, she is showcasing first-hand how individuals on the spectrum can lead the way in their community.

 

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:

Have you ever stopped to count the number of breaths you take in a day? I don’t mean every breath, but the moments where you get to just stop and breathe? Like when you’re enjoying your morning coffee, or scrolling through your phone, or just relaxing with a book or TV show at the end of the day?

Not only do I not get these moments to breathe, most days I feel like I am completely out of air.

My name is Fee Johnson and I’m a mother of three autistic boys: River (7), Bodhi (9), and Indy (5).

If I could ask for one gift this holiday season, it would be to have a break.

While I know that COVID has been tough on everyone, it ’s really hit our family hard.

Usually, the boys are in school or in therapy. But now, we’re homeschooling and the therapists aren’t comfortable coming over. So I’m dealing with homeschooling and trying to get the boys to do their individual therapies and by the time they’re in bed, I’m only just starting to do all of the other things I didn’t get done during the day.

I try to be in bed by 1am and then four hours later, I’m up and starting the exhausting cycle again. Our middle son River gets up at 5am which is especially hard because he’s a flight risk. We have locks on all the doors and alarms in case he bolts. So the daily challenges really start the moment we get up. Then having the boys inside all day with nowhere to run just makes things harder. They have all this energy and no way to get it out.

Even at their ages, not all of our boys can get dressed on their own. They can’t all brush their teeth. Some are really picky eaters. So it’s hard. It’s hard with food. It’s hard with hygiene. It’s hard educating.

Every little bit is a struggle.  

Kids with autism don’t like transitions so trying to prepare all three for what’s to come at the same time is really hard. Autism is a spectrum so each one of our boys has their own challenges and quirks.

Before our family heard about Canucks Autism Network (CAN), the boys were never included in sports. We tried sports and even when other groups claimed to be inclusive, they weren’t. When we found CAN, the boys finally got to try sports without judgment. And we as parents finally had the confidence to step back and trust the CAN staff who just let our kids be kids. It was the first time we had a break.

River at CAN Active, 2018.

Before CAN’s Swim program, we couldn’t even wash River’s hair. He would scream to the point of building up a sweat or spiraling into a meltdown. After just two sessions at CAN Swim, he was willing to pour water over his head! Now he loves baths. I still can’t believe that we can scrub him head to toe.

It gives me great joy to see them interact with the other kids and the staff they’ve gotten to know and trust over the years.

And it gives me a break, which is awesome because I wouldn’t get one otherwise.  

While many of CAN’s usual programs aren’t running right now, they have really come through for us during COVID. We’ve enrolled the boys in all of these online programs that CAN introduced. I always know when it’s 1pm because the kids all run over to the laptop to get ready to do their CAN activities.

River and Bodhi at CAN Virtual Active, 2020.

Without these programs, the boys wouldn’t get the exercise or mental stimulation that they need. Before CAN, we felt so alone and frustrated. Now we get to finally feel like a normal family.

I didn’t think that was possible.

When COVID hit, I started to think about life without CAN. It made me really sad because there’s nobody else who does what they do. CAN is truly a miracle for families with autism.

So thanks to everyone who has supported CAN and helped them survive through this terrible time. Because we need CAN. We need them even more than we did before and I don’t know what we’d do without them.

Sincerely,

Fee Johnson, Proud CAN Mom

Since launching its new stream of virtual programming, CAN has filled 1,000 program spaces.

Would you consider making a gift to support kids like River, Bodhi and  Indy?

Donate today >>

Zoë – Magee Secondary

CAN member since 2011

Zoë has been extremely fortunate to be involved with CAN. She has participated in wonderful programs we may never have been able to access otherwise.

Over the years, she has enjoyed swimming, skating, skiing, volunteering, weekly youth meetups, Netflix watch parties, Chilliwack Corn Maze, VanDusen Festival of Lights, Overnight Camp and Sarah McLachlan School of Music, among others!

Zoë graduated with community and citizenship awards, work experience that included working for the VSB, and many new friends. She will be returning for grade 13, and she hopes to see you at future CAN events!

–Angela, Zoe’s mom

Jamie – Tamanawis Secondary

CAN member since 2014

Being part of CAN for many years helped me learn to deal with social situations, getting out and enjoying activities with others like me. I was given opportunities and resources that I never knew that were available.

–Jamie

Nicholas – Langley Fundamental Elementary

CAN member since 2016

CAN helped Nicholas gain the confidence he needed to make it through his final elementary school year. He now has the “I CAN” attitude.

-Nicole, Nicholas’ mom

Kush – Windsor Secondary

CAN member since 2010

I’ve loved CAN programs since I was 9 years old and today I am 19.

-Kush

 

Brayden – UFV Dogwood Diploma

CAN member since 2014

CAN was instrumental in not only Brayden’s accomplishment; they were instrumental in his decision to return to school and turn his life around. We will be forever grateful.

-Lori, Brayden’s grandma

Watch Brayden and his grandma speak about his experience with CAN at the Canucks For Kids Fund Dice & Ice Gala in February 2020!

Jojo
Eric Hamber Secondary

CAN member since 2012

 

 

Connor
Riverside Secondary

CAN member since 2014

 

 

Ges
West Vancouver Secondary

CAN member since 2017

 

 

Kieran
Secondary School Certificate

CAN member since 2010

CAN helped Kieran make friends and connect to opportunities in the community. We are so grateful!

Kieran is working hard toward his goal of becoming an animator. He has enjoyed summer courses at VanArts and is looking forward to fulfilling his dreams.

He has had so much fun meeting people and learning sports and more with CAN, Sirota’s, VASS, SOBC, and Challenger Baseball. We are thankful to all who have helped him grow and flourish along the way and also to those who will continue to help teach and coach him in the future!

Congratulations Kieran, and on to an exciting future! Oh, the places you’ll go!

-Cynthia, Kieran’s mom

 

Davin, Johnston Heights Secondary

CAN member since 2012

Your guy just graduated! Thank you for believing in kids like Davin during their formative years! That is all they needed — for people to believe that they CAN do it! -Josie, CAN mom

In addition to receiving his high school diploma, Davin received the District Award for Fine Arts and two School Awards for Resiliency.

Congratulations to ALL of our CAN participants who graduated from schools across BC!

Whether you submitted a photo or not, we are SO proud of your commitment to your studies and your “I CAN” attitude.

From everyone at Canucks Autism Network, best of luck in all your future endeavours!

June 4, 2020

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

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

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

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

Netflix Watch Parties

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

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

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

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

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

Zoom Meet Ups

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

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

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

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

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

Zoom Fitness

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

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

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

***

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

Help us continue to deliver our vital online programs. They’re needed now more than ever.


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

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

-Keara Farnan, CAN participant & volunteer

CAN online programs are needed now more than ever. With help from generous contributors like you, we can continue to support our community virtually during this difficult time.

May 29, 2020

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

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

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

Mothers of children with autism have stress levels comparable to combat veterans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make a contribution to give families like the Nelsons access to vital online programs that can support them right now.

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

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

Sincerely,
Iveta Nelson
CAN Parent

Give hope to families like the Nelsons. 

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

April 24, 2020

#WeBelieve that every individual with autism should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

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

“Living a life I like”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I even shared a microphone with Sarah McLachlan herself!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more

Volunteer Spotlight: “Be friendly to one another”

Behind the scenes with the Reveal Gala choir

Sylvain Formo: Changing my thoughts about autism

Former hockey player gives back at CAN skate

Return to CAN Blog

April 16, 2020

Elaine is the mother of a young daughter with autism, Erin. She very recently joined the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community in Fall 2018 when she registered her family as members.

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

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

The difference?

“She was so confident,” Elaine recalled.

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Reading

Learn more about what #WeBelieve
This Autism Acceptance Month, we are focusing one something that will never change — our values.

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

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

Return to Blog Home

Mar 20, 2020

On February 1, the home of the Vancouver Canucks was transformed into a circus-style ‘big top’, for REVEAL, The Greatest Show on Earth, in support of Canucks Autism Network (CAN). Presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, the unforgettable gala dazzled some 566 guests with awe-inspiring circus acts, impressive culinary creations and show-stopping musical numbers.

But the true stars of the evening were the 15 CAN members of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music choir who performed a touching rendition of “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.

Based on the reactions among the guests, it’s safe to say the choir’s five months of rehearsals paid off.

“These kids really touched me,” said CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini, when he later took the stage. “That is why we’re here. So that these kids can say ‘This is me’ with empowerment.”

The Good Doctor star Paige Spara and CAN Founder Paolo Aquilini react to the performance.

Gavin had the honour of singing the final solo. “I was a little nervous in front of all those people,” he said after the show. “But I remember everyone cheering after my part and it made me feel really proud of myself. I thought about my family and how my mom was going to have happy tears!”

The performance was an unforgettable moment that reminded all guests firsthand of the impact of their generous contributions.

But behind the scenes at Rogers Arena, something else truly magical transpired.

In preparation for their performance, the choir had arrived early for a rehearsal. With a few hours until show time, the group was designated one of the dressing rooms backstage.

Unstructured time and ‘waiting around’ can be difficult for any group of kids. But it can be especially difficult for those with autism. CAN staff and parents came ready with activities and a plan to keep the group occupied for the evening.

Anita Rudge was one of those parents.

And nearly two months after the Reveal Gala, she is still as excited about the performance as she is about what she witnessed backstage.

“I remember the rehearsal being stressful. But once we got backstage, the kids were joking with each other and laughing,” Anita recalled. “They were sharing their Nintendo Switches and playing board games. And for kids with autism, it can be so hard for them to engage socially.”

“It was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

One of CAN’s staff, Sarah Armstrong, was also in the room. “The group varied in age and background quite a bit, but they came together like any group of friends would,” said Sarah. “They were comforting each other before their big moment on stage. It was unforgettable.”

The four-minute performance featured two solos and one duet. Anita’s son, Jayden (right), had the opening solo. Gavin (left) had the final one.

If you look closely during Gavin’s solo, you’ll notice that Jayden is singing along word-for-word.

That’s because, right before the performance, Gavin had asked Jayden to sing along with him — just in case he forgot the words.

“As a mother, you want your kids to be kind and empathetic,” Anita said. “These kids loved and supported each other.”

On stage, Jadyen, Gavin and the entire choir proudly sang the words: “I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies – This is Me!”

The lyrics acted as a powerful reminder to guests that we need to increase understanding and acceptance of autism in the community at large.

The fact that so many people gave so generously at the Reveal Gala is cause for great hope.

But the moment that took place backstage provided profound hope of its own. It proved that a mutual love for music could bring a group of kids and youth with autism together.

And that in the process of singing for acceptance, the group found understanding among each other. That’s something you simply can’t put a dollar figure on.

“They were all hugging each other to say goodbye after the performance,” recalled Anita. “It was a room filled with so much love and understanding.”

“It gave me hope that if it can happen in that room, why not everywhere?”

Read more:

Finding Kai’s voice with CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music

Austin Dutt: A World Kindness Day story from Kelowna

Extending CAN’s impact in Nanaimo and Kamloops

Return to the CAN Blog

Learn more:

Learn more about the Reveal Gala

Learn more about the CAN & Sarah McLachlan School of Music program

Learn more about Sarah McLachlan School of Music

We have a #WorldKindnessDay story for you!

Austin is a 13-year-old Canucks Autism Network participant. Through Autism Okanagan and the City of West Kelowna, he also plays for the Kelowna WildCats — the same team that CAN’s Vancouver Orcas and Surrey Stingrays compete against in their annual adapted tourney.

This past April, Austin completed his fourth year of WildCats Hockey. Meanwhile, one of his younger teammate who began the year struggling to skate had just scored his first goal.

Austin with the Kelowna Wildcats

After their last game, Austin asked his coaches if he could give his hockey trophy to the younger teammate.

So in a post-game dressing room ceremony with coaches, parents and the entire team, Austin presented his younger teammate with the MVP trophy.

Amazing!

Beyond proud, Austin’s mom Suzanne shared with us how experiences like CAN programs and the Kelowna WildCats have shaped her son.

“I remember his first CAN Overnight Camp — he didn’t want to go. It was the first time he had ever been away from me. But when I went to pick him up at the ferry, the smile he had on his face said it all! It was such an amazing feeling.”

Austin at CAN Overnight Camp in 2016

Suzanne credits the inclusive programs and experiences Austin has been a part of for who he is today.

“Now, Austin has become a leader for the younger children. He helps them with things that challenged him when he was their age.”

The world is kinder and the future is brighter because of young men like Austin. Well done, kid!

More CAN Stories

CAN & Sport Surrey give hockey participants a day to remember

Sarah Russell: “CAN is home to me.”