Recognizing the increasing need to support BC families living with autism, the Canucks for Kids Fund has provided the newly formed Canucks Autism Network (CAN) with a grant of $224,324 to kick-start program development and resource availability.

CAN's vision is to be a leading organization that enhances the quality of life for families living with autism in British Columbia. Their mission is to provide high quality recreational, sports, social and vocational development programs for individuals and families living with autism and to build capacity through community networks across BC.

In its first few months of operation, CAN provided the opportunity for 25 children with autism to go to summer camp, they hosted a free three-day soccer camp for 75 children and siblings living with autism, and provided the chance for these families to have specialized behind-the-scenes tours of GM Place. This fall, CAN is also launching a new peer friendship program in Lower Mainland schools, called We CAN Be Friends.

Autism is a devastating neurological disorder that occurs in 1 in every 150 BC children and has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of both children and their families. The vision for CAN is to be a leading organization that enhances the quality of life for families living with autism in British Columbia.

For more information please visit the CAN website at: www.canucksautism.ca.