skate Archives - Canucks Autism Network

April 19, 2021

This National Volunteer Week, we want you to meet some of the amazing individuals who give back so generously in our programs. From across the Lower Mainland, Kelowna, Kamloops, Victoria and Nanaimo, we are so lucky to benefit from hundreds of volunteers.

Austin Pietramala has supported CAN participants in both Kelowna and Kamloops since 2017. We asked him why he got involved with CAN and what continues to drive him to give back!

Which programs have you supported with CAN?

I have volunteered for Multi-Sport, Swim, Bike, and Skate in both Kelowna and Kamloops!

What motivated you to volunteer with CAN participants?

I have played organized sports throughout my life and understand the effect that it can have on young children growing up. I know it helps with the development of social and motor skills.

But mainly, sports provides kids with the opportunity to just be kids and have fun!

Austin testing out a bike camp activity with staff in Kamloops! (2019)

Growing up, my mother was a CEA, so I was introduced to what autism was at a young age. I always wanted to help people on the autism spectrum like she did.

I was also always aware that people with certain challenges or disabilities (whether they be physical or cognitive, etc.) might not have the same opportunity as others. And that never sat well with me.

So when I learned about CAN, I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer!

Do you have a favourite memory in your time volunteering with CAN?

A participant and I both got along really well with each other, and we created a secret handshake. Every time that something awesome happened or we were just happy and having fun, we did the secret handshake.

The handshake was quite involved too! We were partnered up for a few different sessions, and the handshake lasted throughout all of them.

Why do you continue volunteering with CAN?

I’ve met so many great people had so many great experiences. I want to continue sharing all of the skills that organized sports has given me. And hopefully, a few more laughs and smiles along the way!

“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.

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Photo copyright: Alaska Nanooks

Apr 12, 2019

Nearly two years ago, Michael Quinn had just wrapped up a professional hockey career.

In junior and college, he competed against current NHL stars like Tyler Bozak, Kyle Turris and Jake Gardiner. After turning pro, he traveled the world and played in the United States, Hungary and France.

Though he is now retired, Michael hasn’t come close to hanging up his skates. Since settling back home in Surrey, he has found a new calling on the ice as a Canucks Autism Network (CAN) volunteer.

Every Wednesday evening, he laces up at Cloverdale Arena to support CAN participants in our skate program.

Learn more about Canucks Autism Network skate for children with autism.

What motivates him to give back?

“I love being on the ice,” Michael explained. “And CAN has allowed me to pass on my skills and joy of skating to the kids.”

His enthusiasm has helped countless CAN participants develop confidence on the ice and a shared love of skating. The CAN staff in Cloverdale have taken notice.

Whenever they encounter a participant who may need some extra motivation and encouragement, the staff are quick to pair them with Michael.

“The kids gravitate to him because he’s got such an advanced skill set on the ice,” said one of our CAN skate coaches. “But he’s been able to support them in ways that show a natural ability to connect with our participants too.”

While April 7-13 marks National Volunteer Week in Canada, it is also Autism Awareness Month. Like many CAN volunteers, Michael came to us with no experience supporting children with autism. But through a clear passion, desire to give back and guidance from CAN staff, Michael has developed the understanding of autism necessary to make a lasting impact on our participants.

“It only takes an hour out of my week,” Michael shared. “And to be able to put a giant smile on a child’s face – that’s something special. Getting to build relationships with the children and seeing not only their skating skills improve, but also their confidence and interpersonal skills, has been tremendously rewarding.”

Outside of CAN programs, Michael is starting a career as a firefighter with the City of Delta. He will be joining a first responder community in BC that is becoming increasingly aware and accepting of individuals with autism, as well. This past January, CAN launched a free and online training tool for first responders. In the three months since, over 600 fire fighters, police officers, paramedics, search and rescue officers and more have completed the training.

Learn more about Canucks Autism Network’s free and online training for first responders.

Michael will be starting his new role with valuable hands-on experience and is eager to utilize his newfound understanding of autism.

“I have gained so much knowledge and so many communication skills volunteering with CAN,” Michael said. “As a firefighter, it is extremely reassuring that I can use my knowledge about autism to respond to calls involving individuals on the spectrum.”

As an organization, we are uplifted that volunteers like Michael will continue to support the autism community long after their time in our programs.

Thank you, Michael.

Learn more about volunteering for Canucks Autism Network!

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Tag: skate