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.

 

Aug 31, 2018

On Saturday, September 15th, North Shore mountain bikers will unite on the trails of Mount Fromme for the first-ever TWENTY FIVER mountain bike race, presented by the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA). The event is part of a series consisting of bi-weekly mountain bike races every second Thursday throughout the summer. Dubbed as “FIVER” races, the series invites NSMBA members to enjoy an evening of mountain biking followed by food and drinks for just $5.

2018 NSMBA TwentyFiver World ChampionshipsThe TWENTY FIVER will introduce a philanthropic twist to the final race of the series, as funds raised through the additional $20 registration fee will be shared by like-minded autism organizations, AutismBC and Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

While preparing for the first-time event, NSMBA’s Trail Programs and Sponsorship Manager, Cynthia Young, shared her excitement about the involvement of the two local charities.

“We are really excited to be partnering with two charities that support those in our community with autism. The correlation between being in the forest and improved mental health is substantial, and we have heard a lot about how cycling can really benefit some people with autism. Together with these charities, we are creating unique educational opportunities for the NSMBA Trail Builders, as well as volunteer opportunities for youth with autism.”

In addition to the TWENTY FIVER, NSMBA is taking active steps to create a more inclusive and welcoming trail environment for everyone. On Thursday, September 20th NSMBA staff and builders will receive autism training from CAN, and on Saturday, September 22nd CAN’s youth and young adult program participants will take part in a Trail Day led by NSMBA Builders.

A group photo of adults and kids with shovels on a mountain trail.
NSMBA takes diverse groups into the North Shore mountains to educate about trail building and outdoor stewardship.

The collaboration with NSMBA and AutismBC is a natural fit for CAN due to the groups’ mutual commitment to inclusion, strong partnerships and collective capacity.

Andrew Pinfold, Director of Operations at AutismBC, recently elaborated on the importance of our organizations working together towards a common goal.

“Partnering with other organizations that support our community is vital as we move forward to better the landscape for individuals and families living with autism. We are grateful to the North Shore Mountain Bike Association for hosting this event which will not only fund programs and support services that will enhance the lives of those impacted by autism in BC, but will also help identify ways to make NSMBA programs and trails accessible to the diverse needs of our community.”

Any mountain bikers interested in registering for the TWENTY FIVER can do so through North Shore Mountain Bike Association, as an NSMBA membership is required to participate. Following the race, all riders will be invited to celebrate a season of riding, racing, and trail building at the Lynn Valley Legion, including food, drinks, live music and prizing.

PLEASE NOTE: Although Canucks Autism Network is a proud beneficiary of the NSMBA TWENTY FIVER, this is not a CAN event. Therefore, CAN staff will not be on site providing behavioural support.

Not an avid mountain biker? You can show your support of CAN and AutismBC by purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win a three-day stay at Retallack – an exclusive backcountry destination located deep in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains in the West Kootenays.

Raffle tickets can be purchased online at 1 for $20 or 3 for $50. 

To learn more about the event, please visit North Shore Mountain Bike Association.

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