Tag: donor

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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

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.

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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.