Tag: fundraising

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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

The 2021 CAN Virtual Challenge, presented by Vancouver International Airport (YVR), started with a lofty goal. Raise $100,000 for CAN.

We launched registration in April and saw over 110 individuals accept the challenge. Each fundraiser was tasked with completing and posting up to six daily challenges, while asking friends and family to donate.

From May 31 to June 4, they posted themselves playing hockey, stacking LEGO, flying paper airplanes – and yes, attempting something referred to only as “cookie face”.

Thanks to their creativity, commitment and passion for the cause, our fundraisers exceeded our goal, bringing in over $102,000!

Within that virtual community of supporters was Evan Bissoondatt.

At 16 years old, Evan joined the challenge with an important and compelling reason to support the cause.

It was only two years ago that Evan was diagnosed with autism. In the short time since, he’s been inspired by the community he’s found at Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

His goal is to one day work in our programs so that he can return the support he’s received. But until then, he was motivated to give back another way.

Signing up for the CAN Virtual Challenge, Evan raised a remarkable $4,105.

That total earned him the honour of being named our Top Individual Fundraiser! Needless to say, Evan is a remarkable young man who we want the entire CAN community to meet.

We asked both Evan and his mom, Bernadette, a few questions about the community he’s found at CAN and his incredibly successful campaign.

We can’t thank you enough for such an amazing contribution, Evan! Can you tell us first how you first became part of the CAN community?

EVAN: I found out about CAN with the help of my mom. She researched programs where I can meet people who are on the spectrum like me and fit my personality. She is really good at finding programs I am interested in and helps me sign up for them on time.

BERNADETTE: Since Evan was diagnosed in 2019, we are still fairly new to the autism community. But we are blessed to have found CAN! The diversity of programs has truly helped us find a good fit for Evan in terms of his age group and interests. 

Our staff and volunteers love seeing you at each program! What are some of your favourites?

EVAN: I really enjoy CAN’s in-person programs, like Explore Volunteering and Park Clean Ups, mainly because of the socializing that takes place. I get to socialize and help the community at the same time.

I also enjoy the Virtual Movie Clubs – how we get to talk about the movies afterwards – and Virtual Fitness. Through these programs, I’ve been able to connect with participants and even make friendships.

BERNADETTE: One of the many remarkable examples of how helpful and amazing the programs are – Evan participated in Explore Employment, where he was given templates for creating a resume.

He used this to build his own resume and recently got accepted for his first part-time job this summer! I love how CAN programs like these help prepare teens for transitioning into adulthood, making them more familiar with what’s to come and ultimately less anxious.

Evan, you’ve clearly got a ton of initiative. But we can’t believe this was your first time doing any kind of fundraising! How did you do so well?

EVAN: I raised the money with the help of my parents and the generosity of family, friends and people who support me at school. I don’t have access to social media so my parents and I emailed my fundraising campaign to people we know.

What were your favourite challenges?

EVAN: My favorite challenges were building and creating, because I got to speed-build Lego. I also enjoyed playing badminton on Day 1 and running on the treadmill for the “Move” challenge.

Looks like you had a great time, Evan! Finally, what motivated you to put in all this work fundraising?

EVAN: Growing up, I thought I was just a normal person like the rest, but I do have social challenges at school. I struggle with friendships and recognizing social cues. Oftentimes, I don’t know who to classify as a true friend.

When I was diagnosed with autism in Grade 8, I honestly was confused and didn’t know how to feel. I thought, “Is autism good or bad?”

I questioned myself about many things and what it meant to be autistic. I have later learned that this is something I am born with. I could have unusual traits that make me act or behave differently, but I am still just like any human being, my brain just functions differently than others.

Now that I think of it, God created me with a unique recipe and my own personality – but still a masterpiece He can be proud of!

What motivated me to fundraise is the fact that CAN gives people like me the support they need while feeling connected. The coaches are incredible. They are doing such an amazing job with helping people on the spectrum.

I am interested in being a support worker for CAN one day, so I can help too.

BERNADETTE: CAN programs have done wonders – not just for our son but our entire family. As a parent, it is challenging to navigate through the different programs out there.

We are so proud of Evan for his willingness to share his story and use his voice to fundraise for CAN! This was his first time fundraising and he was the top fundraiser!

We can’t wait to see where Evan’s leadership and his desire to give back take him. Fundraisers like the CAN Virtual Challenge are critical in continuing our work to give opportunity and promote autism acceptance.

But building acceptance, understanding and support isn’t possible without individuals like Evan sharing their story. In this instance, Evan’s voice has raised an incredible amount of money for the cause while demonstrating just how much our amazing participants are capable of.

Thank you, Evan! And thank you to each of our CAN Virtual Challenge fundraisers, sponsors and partners.

See you at our next community fundraiser!

Presenting Sponsor: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Challenge Partners: Centaur Products, The DB Perks Group, hcma & TELUS
Friends of CAN: Herbaland, Meridian Farm Market, Nintendo, Toys R Us Vancouver & Vessi

More CAN stories

Kayla: From awareness to understanding and acceptance
Growing up autistic, Kayla uses her lived experience to help participants at CAN.

Corey: Growing up autistic
“Autism was not well known or understood when I was a boy.”

Natanya: “Autism acceptance means I have a job I love”
After starting as a volunteer, this young woman on the spectrum shares her experience becoming a support worker at CAN.

April 1, 2021

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

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

Consider visiting one of these local businesses this month!

Meridian Farm Market | April
Across Lower Mainland

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

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

Papa John’s | April
Surrey

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

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

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing | April
Parksville

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

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

Herbaland | March 31 – April 14
Online

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

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

ZYIA Active | April
Online

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

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

F45 | April
Vancouver

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

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

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

Treaźe | April 17
Kelowna

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

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

CAN Raffle | Enter by May 1
Online

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

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

Must be 19+ and within BC.

 

April 29, 2020

In 2015, Alejandro Diaz opened El Santo, a contemporary Mexican restaurant in New Westminster.

In the five years since, El Santo has quickly gained critical acclaim – both regionally and nationally. They have been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail and Vancouver Sun, and have been listed in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in Canada for a Big Night Out and Vancouver Magazine’s Best Latin Restaurant.

As a business owner, Alejandro firmly believes in using his success to positively impact the community around him. For his family, this means supporting Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

Around the same time his restaurant opened, Alejandro’s son Parker was diagnosed with autism.

“As a father, I understand both the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism,” Alejandro shared with us.

“We have experienced first-hand the need for inclusion and acceptance in the community.”

While searching for organizations that could support Parker, Alejandro’s family found CAN in 2016.

As members of the CAN community, they have participated in Family Events like our annual Festival of Lights, Rogers Arena Skate and Sports Day. Meanwhile, Parker has benefited from CAN’s weekly swimming lessons and overnight camp in the summer.

Alejandro’s three children at the CAN Festival of Lights

“We have participated in many CAN programs,” Alejandro said.

“But what we appreciate most is how they train other businesses and groups to take action and join them in supporting individuals with autism. That’s why I believe so strongly in giving back to CAN.”

Learn more about CAN Training & Community Engagement.

Since joining CAN, Alejandro has used his restaurant as a platform to raise incredible financial support for our programs, training and community engagement initiatives.

For every kids meal purchased at the restaurant, $1 is donated to CAN.

Additionally, his fundraising dinners have brought in upwards of $11,000 on an annual basis. Featuring multiple courses paired with carefully-curated drink pairings, they are highly-anticipated events that quickly sell out.

At our own fundraisers, El Santo’s exclusive dining experiences are consistently among the most coveted auction items. At our recent CAN Reveal Gala, El Santo donated a private dinner for 24 that raised an incredible $20,000!

After just four years, Alejandro and El Santo have raised over $88,800 for CAN – an astounding contribution from a pillar of the CAN community.

But like many small businesses and restaurants, El Santo has had to temporarily close their doors due to the current COVID-19 crisis.

It should come as no surprise that despite having to shut down, Alejandro was still finding ways to give back. Rather than letting fresh perishables go to waste, the chefs at El Santo whipped up hundreds of meals for those in their community to pick up free of charge.

And this past month, they have begun taking fresh meals over to healthcare workers at Royal Columbian Hospital. Despite their own hardships, it is inspiring to see El Santos’ efforts to continue lifting up their community.

If you or someone you know lives in the New Westminster area, please consider purchasing a gift card to El Santo. And if you aren’t connected to the New West community directly, trust us – it’s worth the trip when they re-open their doors.

Gift cards can be purchased by calling Alejandro Diaz directly at 604-727-8176 or emailing alejandro@elsanto.ca.

Better yet, El Santo is currently accepting pre-orders for Mother’s Day takeout!

$110 for a three-course meal for four — visit their Facebook page or email alejandro@elsanto.ca directly to order.

Read more

Learn how you can help CAN

Starbucks: An extra shot of good

Cooking with Keara: Keeping it fresh and healthy

Pokerrito to donate 100% of sales to CAN

Return to CAN Blog

 

Aug 23, 2019

Earlier this summer, everyone at the CAN Relay 4 Autism wanted to know.

Who. Was. Spiderman?

The first-ever CAN Relay 4 Autism invited families, supporters and the general public to Swangard Stadium for a day of fun, fitness and festivities.

Attendees were encouraged to come dressed in their best retro attire, superhero suit or whatever fun costume they had in their closet.

Even with a field full of games and activities, festival goers found their attention was repeatedly pulled back to the track where a certain masked crusader just kept running and running.

And running.

Beginning at around 10:30 in the morning and continuing well into the afternoon, the anonymous superhero completed 40 laps. That equates to 16km, in support of Canucks Autism Network.

In full costume. In the sweltering summer heat. Never once taking off his mask to reveal his true identity.

It wasn’t until after the event, that the mysterious masked marathoner revealed his true self.

Christian Bods Brown is an animator at Vancouver-based PIXOMONDO.

One of his coworkers Patricia de Souza, started a team for the CAN Relay at their office.

“I ran the BMO Vancouver Marathon earlier this year and I thought [the CAN Relay] was for a brilliant cause,” Christian shared with us. “So when Patricia invited us to participate, I wanted to get involved.”

Patricia’s family had just joined CAN last year – shortly after her son Silas received his diagnosis.

Patricia and her kids at the 2019 CAN Sports Day.

“Silas really loved the swimming,” Patricia told us. “The staff and volunteers are amazing. They are all so energetic and positive. We’ve had such a great experience so far, we wanted to give back.”

For six months, Patricia, Christian and their fundraising team at work collected cans and bottles.

“I kept bags under my desk and would bring them on the skytrain home with me,” Patricia shared with us.

Team members posted on social media, including Christian, who told his friends and family: “The more you donate, the farther I’ll run!’”

Patricia and Christian running for a cause at the CAN Relay 4 Autism.

In total, Christian, Patricia and Team PIXOMONDO raised $1,550!

Not all heroes wear a suit. But in this case, the costume was appropriate. Because without superhuman supporters like Christian and Patricia, who so eagerly give back, our programs and training initiatives simply would not exist.

Thank you to everyone who energetically supported us at the CAN Relay 4 Autism. We can’t wait to see you next year!

Want to get involved with Canucks Autism Network? Here’s 5 ways you CAN!

Jul 26, 2018

Endless sunshine and a desire to give back made for a fantastic day on the links this past Saturday in Kelowna. Presented by Scotiabank, over 100 golfers came out for the 17th Annual Kelowna Rockets Golf Tournament, raising vital funding for Canucks Autism Network (CAN) programs in the region.

With an early afternoon start, participants had the exclusive opportunity to golf and dine alongside dozens of Kelowna Rockets alumni. The former WHL players in attendance included current NHL stars Shea Weber, Josh Gorges and Luke Schenn, among others.

Stationed on the course at hole 16, we were on hand to provide golfers a fun break from the friendly competition. Given the hockey-themed flavor of the event, CAN staff challenged participants and Rockets alumni to a “saucer pass” contest.

A man shoots a hockey puck into a miniature net on a golf course.

On their way to the next hole, golfers also had the opportunity to enter our WestJet Gift of Flight Raffle, while learning about CAN programs from our staff.

Purchase your raffle tickets for WestJet’s Gift of Flight online now!

Later that night at the event dinner, CAN’s Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Ryan Yao, shared more about the importance of the event to our efforts in Kelowna.

“With 1 in 66 children diagnosed with autism in Canada, and over 1,000 in the Okanagan region alone, the need for support is growing,” Ryan explained to the room full of golfers and alumni. “Since 2015, we have been so fortunate to have the generous support of the Kelowna Rockets and Rockets Alumni Foundation. Their shared commitment to our mission has been integral to the delivery of our programs in this region.”

On behalf of all our staff, volunteers and families at CAN, thank you to the organizers and participants of the 17th Annual Kelowna Rockets Alumni Golf Tournament.

Because of you, hundreds of children, youth, young adults and families living with autism in Kelowna can learn new skills, develop friendships and make lifelong memories at CAN programs.

Learn more about how you can help at canucksautism.ca/support!

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Jun 25, 2018

This past school year, CAN participant Cameron Siu (8 years old) and his older sister Kaitlynn (11) spoke at Gilmore Community School’s Autism Awareness Assembly. Together, they each shared a heartwarming poem about their experience growing up together with Cameron’s diagnosis.

The assembly was part of a much larger awareness and fundraising campaign that spanned two schools within the Burnaby School District. As part of their CAN Birthday Festival fundraiser, Gilmore and Gilpin Elementary Schools partnered together to raise an incredible $5,000 for CAN.

Led by teacher Debbie Siu (Cameron and Kaitlynn’s mother) and education assistant Bev Gilliam (who has been a tireless CAN volunteer and support worker for years), the schools’ fundraising and awareness initiatives included t-shirts, crafts and a wide range of school-wide activities.

An elementary school classroom pose for a photo holding handmade arts and crafts projects.

A huge thank you goes out to all the educators and students at Gilmore Community and Gilpin Elementary Schools in Burnaby. It is because of fundraising efforts like these that CAN is able to make an impact on the BC community. It is because of awareness initiatives like these that we can look forward to a generation of children that understand, accept and support individuals with autism.

Learn more about fundraising for the CAN Birthday Festival on Saturday, July 7 at Surrey Civic Plaza!

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This article was originally published in January 2018. Since then, Bob Shanks has raised ANOTHER $100k is nearing his goal of a quarter million raised entirely by himself for CAN. Incredible!

Jan 5, 2018

Each year, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) delivers over 450 sports and rec programs throughout BC. Ranging from weekly sports lessons to single-day family events, CAN programs impact over 3,200 individuals and families living with autism on an annual basis. But each program and event is only possible with the generous support of those who share our passion.

In 2012, Robbie Cruickshank, a young adult diagnosed with autism, had just heard about CAN. “My sister, Diana, was good friends with someone from the organization who was involved in fundraising,” Robbie recalled. “Being a huge sports fan, I was motivated to support CAN’s programs. I love hockey, football and basketball — both playing and watching.”

Most importantly, Robbie loved the idea of helping kids with autism play these sports too. He began simply by collecting donations from his family. Better known as “Bob Shanks” to those closest to him, Robbie began expanding his fundraising efforts. For five years, Robbie has hosted pub nights, spearheaded online campaigns and even gone door-to-door to support CAN programs.

“Pretty much any time I wasn’t working,” Robbie told us, “I was fundraising for CAN.”

In 2014, he was named the Top Individual Fundraiser at the CAN Family Festival, raising an incredible $10,128. Robbie not only held that title for the next two years, he topped his annual total each time with $26,000 in 2015 and $37,535 in 2016.

With years of dedicated fundraising under his belt, Robbie set his sights on a truly astonishing milestone in 2017.

$100,000 raised since 2012.

This past September, Robbie reached and obliterated that goal. His most recent total? $113,763 as of early-January.

But as inconceivable as it is for one individual to raise $100,000, the amount is not nearly as important as the passion that Robbie shares with CAN.

When asked how he could have accomplished something so incredible, Robbie answered simply, “I just tell people how it is at CAN – where the money is going and what the organization does.”

A couple of years ago, Robbie visited the I CAN Play Sports program, where he helped teach a participant how to shoot a basketball. “I told him, ‘Shoot it like you’re putting your hand in a cookie jar’ and he made the basket!”

For Robbie, seeing the joy that sports gives each child is what continues to motivate him. “I do it because these kids get to experience something that may not be possible without CAN.”

With over 11,000 families living with autism in BC, the need for help is greater than ever. Regardless of the amount, every contribution counts.

Thank you to Robbie and all of our supporters for sharing CAN’s passion. We could not do what we do without you.

To learn how you can support CAN programs, please visit canucksautism.ca/support.

If you would like to support Robbie’s ongoing fundraising efforts for CAN, please visit our online donation page and be sure to enter “Robbie Cruickshank” in the comments field.

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