Tag: Vancouver

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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.

 

Kerry and her husband Ryan have a son with autism and a younger daughter. Last month, her family participated in the 5th Annual CAN & YVR Autism Accessibility Tour.

Held on April 18, the tour is offered to decrease anxiety often associated with air travel. Individuals and families with autism were invited to familiarize themselves with the pre-flight process, including check-in, security, finding their gate and boarding a plane.

In addition to the tour, each individual with autism was given a YVR Resource Kit, which features an activity storybook, step-by-step checklist, airport map, tips for travel and a tote bag to carry each item.

By increasing expectations and providing a simulated airport experience, the goal of the annual event is to build confidence for future travel.

It was Kerry’s first time at a Canucks Autism Network event. That same night, she shared this feedback with us:

***

Yesterday night, I was front-loading my oldest for the tour. He announced: “I don’t want to do it. But I’m ready to do it. I will use my courage.”

To prep himself on the way there,  he requested that we play “Brave” by Sara Bareilles on repeat.

With his visual schedule in hand, he put that song into action at the airport—conquering check-in and security. He fearlessly filed onto the Air Transat Airbus A330, filled with families just like ours.

 

Travelers with autism can obtain the YVR Resource Kit, including the Activity Storybook (pictured above), at any YVR info desk.

 

 

The beautiful thing about this whole experience was that it provided a safe place for nervous fliers and their supporters to just be, without apology.

Meltdowns, earmuffs, iPads, fidgets, and endless questions about every step—it was all okay. There were no dirty looks or hurry-ups, because everybody there just “got it.”

To be honest though—when I signed up for this event, I was thinking mostly of myself. I wanted to have a picture of what traveling with a child who is fearful of crowds, machines, noise, and new things would look like.

And I left with not only that, but also with this sense of feeling deeply loved by countless kind strangers. To the service agents, security and customs officers, airport volunteers, flight attendants, and to the many, many genuinely smiley helpers sporting Canucks Autism Network t-shirts—why do you care about my family so much?

The tour also included an opportunity to sample the YVR Customs Declaration kiosks.

This week, spectrum-related struggles had me feeling extra lost & lonely, and ready to resign from this parenting gig. Tonight felt like the gigantic hug I needed. Thank you Canucks Autism Network and YVR for allowing me and my family to feel seen & safe.

***

We launched this program with YVR in 2014, because we had individuals and families with autism like Kerry’s in mind. Air travel can be a significant challenge for those on the spectrum who have anxiety or sensory sensitivities. But with the correct supports in place, they can accomplish so much.

We have always recognized that the entire family that shares the struggles and successes of an individual with autism. That’s why the tour allowed for the entire immediate family to join in on the experience.

Kerry’s husband & daughter were also able to experience the entire CAN & YVR Autism Accessibility Tour.

The larger the community of support, the better we can all support those on the spectrum. In addition to YVR, this year’s tour was also made possible by collaborations with Air Transat, Canadian Air Transit Security Authority (CATSA), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs & Border Protection (CBP).

More CAN Stories

Nearly 200 “Learn to Fly” during YVR Autism Aviation Days

Together with Air North, YVR and Canucks Autism Network are back with our Autism Accessibility Tour

CAN & YVR: Launching a community of support

In 2008, Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, founded Canucks Autism Network with the vision of enriching the quality of life of families living with autism in British Columbia. Their goal was to provide individuals with autism with opportunities for successful inclusion in community sports and recreation.

What started as one soccer program delivered to a handful of families has since grown into an incredible network of support for over 3,000 families living with autism in BC.

Our hundreds of year-round programs provide children, teens and young adults with autism with an outlet to learn, shine, and excel on their own terms, and at their own pace. Through these opportunities, we get to witness what true joy and success looks like through the eyes of an individual who has chosen to challenge their limits.

Just as we are inspired by the perseverance and courage of our participants, we are continually inspired by the commitment and generosity of the amazing people who make up the fabric and heart of the CAN family. From our dedicated staff and volunteers, to our generous donors, partners and supporters – each play an integral role in creating our ever-growing village of support.

Since 2008, we have provided thousands of program opportunities, delivered hundreds of hours of training, and participated in countless community events to build autism awareness and acceptance across the province and beyond. We have connected with parents, teachers, service providers, first responders, businesses, coaches and community recreation staff in an effort to fulfill our vision: “Every individual with autism is understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces”.

Through inspiring stories, helpful resources and donor spotlights, we hope our blog will provide encouragement, empowerment, and comfort. We also hope to inspire, teach, and motivate more people to be inclusive and accepting of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Join us on our journey. Your attitude and perception of people with autism and their behaviours will make a critical difference in their lives.

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