2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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Our
team
FOUNDERS
STAFF
Paolo & Clara Aquilini
Katy Harandi Noah Morantz Stephanie Jull Michelle Hohne Isabel Angeles Lindsay Petrie Emily Stuible Stephanie Shack Marco Palmeri Harold Cecchetti Danielle De Marchi Amy Turcotte Carolyn Taylor Ryan Yao Ali Gorsak Tara Rodas Darcie Domes Caitlyn Van Dijk Afsaneh Hakimzadeh Siobhan Doyle Adam Flaherty
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Katy Harandi Clara Aquilini Charmaine Crooks James Gallagher William Macdonald Robert Standerwick Julia Ward Marie Westby Mark Zastre
Chair, President Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Treasurer
FINANCE COMMITTEE Mark Zastre James Gallagher Katy Harandi
Chair
HR COMMITTEE Charmaine Crooks Katy Harandi Robert Standerwick
Chair
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
SOCIETY MEMBERS
James Gallagher Katy Harandi Robert Standerwick
Clara Aquilini Yvonne Coelho Jim Crescenzo Charmaine Crooks Sue Formosa James Gallagher Lillian Giusti Michael Guenter Katy Harandi Lawrence Ho Kevin Hussey Glenn Laufer William Macdonald
Chair
PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE Marie Westby Dot Clouston Cindy Crapper Norah Flaherty Katy Harandi Tina Linton Laura Patrick Jenny Sojat Julia Ward
AUDITOR Chan & Co.
Chair
Chief Executive Officer Director of Development Director of Programming Director of Operations Accountant Marketing & Communications Officer Special Events Coordinator Development Coordinator Family Adventures Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator HR Coordinator Registrar Operations Coordinator Program Coordinator Program Coordinator Program Coordinator Program Coordinator Program Coordinator Community Events Coordinator Office Assistant Office Assistant
Graham Matthews A. Steve Michoulas Sean Mitchell Simon Myara Saeedeh Salem Robert D. Standerwick Q.C. Ruth Tranter Julia Ward Marie Westby Dorothy Wong Wes Wong Mark Zastre
than 50%
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More of all children with autism are either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight
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Our
dream for the future
Vision To be a leader in enhancing the quality of life for families living with autism in British Columbia
Mission To provide year-round, innovative, high-quality sports, recreational, social, and arts programs for individuals and families living with autism while building awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia
Values Family – we value experiences that benefit the entire family Program Quality – we value safe, supportive, inclusive and accepting programs Best Practices – we value continuous learning and are committed to using best practices Collaboration – we value collaborating and building networks Community – we value active participation in the community and support local initiatives to build capacity Accessibility – we strive to eliminate financial barriers for program participation I CAN Attitude – we value programs that build self-confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose in play, work and life
What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder, more generally referred to as ‘autism.’ Autism is diagnosed based on difficulties with social communication and behaviour, but there is significant variability among individuals who share the diagnosis. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups, but is almost five times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
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Contents 03 04 06 08 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23
Canucks Autism Network at a glance Our team Our dream for the future Our founders Our president & CEO Raising awareness. Building support. Expanding our offerings. Reaching new communities. Bringing families together. Building support systems. Educating students. Encouraging inclusion. The gift of time Family spotlight Our numbers Donor spotlight Our generous donors & sponsors Our in-kind donors Employee spotlight
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1 in children have autism
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Our
founders
Dear friends of the Canucks Autism Network, This time of year is a time to reflect. Only six short years ago, we sat around the kitchen table with Katy and came up with the idea of founding CAN. The idea was based on a simple notion; the desire to make life better for those living with autism. This simple idea has grown into something incredible. What was once a small, grassroots organization is now a fully functioning team of over 19 internal staff, 200 trained program staff, and 352 dedicated volunteers who provide adaptive programs to more than 1,000 families every year. As parents of a young adult with autism, we understand the importance of activities that build self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose which is why the Canucks Autism Network is driven by its mission to provide enriching opportunities for children, youth and young adults living with autism. However, none of these lifechanging opportunities would be available to families if it were not for the outpouring of support we have received from a variety of caring individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups. Clara and I are incredibly grateful to all those who have joined us and supported us along CAN’s journey of growth and development. We would like to thank all of our donors including the Canucks for Kids Fund and the West Coast Fishing Club Fishing for Kids Tournament for their ongoing commitment to the cause. We are also continually moved by the inspiring dedication of the Canucks Autism Network Board, Programming Committee, society members, staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to fulfill our vision of
enriching the lives of those affected by autism. Lastly, we would like to thank all of you for helping us realize our dream of a more inclusive and accepting province for those living with autism. We cannot wait to see what the future will bring.
Paolo and Clara Aquilini
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Overall program enrollment increased by this year
30%
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Our
president & CEO
I am delighted to announce that 2013/14 was another successful year for the Canucks Autism Network. Our growing waitlists are a testament to the high demand for our programs. Feedback we have received from parents confirms their ongoing need for sports, social and family activities in a safe and supportive environment. None of what CAN does would be possible without the support of our 200 program staff and the 8215 hours provided by our volunteers. Dr. Stephanie Jull, the Director of Programming at CAN, provides ongoing training to ensure that our staff and volunteers are using effective, individualized support strategies that will allow all of our participants to learn new skills and interact with new friends in a safe, fun, supportive environment. Our training and awareness efforts extend beyond the training that we provide to our staff and volunteers: we are constantly in the community teaching workshops and providing information about autism to recreation centres, sports organizations, schools, and the general public. Part of our mission statement is to build awareness and capacity in community networks, and we believe that our community recreation partnerships and school awareness programs provide a strong contribution to creating communities that are more autism-friendly. However, we want to take these initiatives further, spreading support for autism in businesses and employment settings. We recently hired two adults with autism to work in our office and we are very proud of our I CAN Volunteer program, which enables teens and young adults with autism to gain experience volunteering in our programs. In the near future, we intend to expand initiatives targeted at businesses and employers. I would like to congratulate the CAN team and our participants on the impressive accomplishments of the 2013/14 program year, and extend my sincerest appreciation to all of our donors, community partners and supporters for enabling us to make a difference in the lives of those facing the adventure called autism.
Katy Harandi
1 in
42 boys have autism
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Raising awareness. Building support. Sip, Savour & Support / Savour Cowichan Festival On Saturday, September 27, 2014 the Sip, Savour & Support event welcomed guests from the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, and Vancouver to the stunning Mill Bay Marina in support of Canucks Autism Network (CAN) programs in the Cowichan Valley region. The sold-out event invited attendees to enjoy an afternoon of local fare and drink as well as an intimate live performance by "guitar goddess," Hayley McLean, and Canadian blues-based rock band, Wide Mouth Mason. Additionally, fundraising events and activities benefitting CAN were incorporated into the week-long Savour Cowichan Festival, including the inaugural Barge On In event that kicked off the ten days of local food and drink festivities. The Sip, Savour & Support and Barge On In events welcomed a combined 1,000 guests and raised over $120,000 for adaptive CAN programs on Vancouver Island.
YVR Accessibility Event: Autism In alignment with CAN’s ongoing efforts to make facilities and businesses more autism aware, on Monday, November 17, 100 CAN members had the opportunity to go through the entire preflight process without ever taking flight. The travel rehearsal, made possible thanks to the support from YVR - Vancouver International Airport Authority, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), and Air Transat, included checking-in, finding the gate, waiting in line, boarding the plane, and heading to baggage claim. The goal of the event was to help families living with autism navigate the many obstacles associated with travel while decreasing their anxiety by making the flying process more familiar and predictable. Additionally, the event helped to educate airport employees and volunteers about autism.
3rd Annual CAN Family Festival The third annual CAN Family Festival, presented by Macquarie and Fishing for Kids, reached new heights this year by welcoming over 1,500 attendees and raising over $90,000 through corporate sponsorships and individual fundraising. In addition, the Ledcor Family Fun Zone was introduced as a new component of the event with sports-related activations from the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, Vancouver Canadians, and Seattle Seahawks.
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Expanding our offerings. Reaching new communities. The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is proud to offer an array of innovative, high-quality, sports, recreational, social, and arts programs for individuals and families living with autism in British Columbia. The CAN team consists of a diverse group of trained staff, support workers and dedicated volunteers who administer programs in a safe and supportive environment. Individuals across the autism spectrum are all welcome to participate. This past year has marked a significant period of growth and expansion for the Canucks Autism Network. We have reached new families, introduced new programs, increased capacities, and broadened our reach to provide more programs throughout the Lower Mainland, on Vancouver Island, and in Kelowna.
Sports: Soccer, Skate, Swim, Basketball, Hockey, Bike (Developed by Pedalheads)
Arts: Photography Social: S Club (for children), SIBS (for siblings), Sociables & CONNECT (for teens and young adults), & Social Sisters (for females)
Camps: Overnight Camps (for children, teens, young adults and families) and Weeklong Day Camp (for teens)
New Programs this Year: Ski (in partnership with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports), Gymnastics (in partnership with Kerrigan Gymnastics Academy), Physical Literacy (in partnership with Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence), Multisport Camp, Outdoor Rec (in partnership with Power To Be), Drama, and Music (in partnership with the Sarah McLachlan School of Music)
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Bringing
families together.
Building support systems. Family Adventures provide an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a fun activity in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. Family Adventures soared to new heights this year by filling 5,200 program spaces and introducing four new experiences for the entire family to enjoy together.
Family Adventures: Movie Nights, Ghost Train, Mini Golf, Chilliwack Corn Maze, Party in the Park, Family Skate, Festival of Lights, Sunset Cinema, CAN the Musical, Easter Breakfast, Sports Day, and the Rogers Arena Family Skate
New Family Adventures this Year: Skate and Play - Families in Kelowna enjoyed a fun-filled day of skating and games at the Capital News Centre. Diner Dash - Families had the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary meal together at Moderne Burger. Pumpkins & Pancakes - Families on Vancouver Island gathered at Galey Farms for a pancake breakfast followed by a train ride and a walk through the pumpkin patch. A Night of Improv - Families were entertained by a group of talented actors during an hour long improv show that combined humour and drama to create a memorable experience for all attendees.
Featured Event: 2nd Annual Sports Day - The 2nd Annual Sports Day event welcomed 400 individuals with autism into BC Place for an unforgettable multi-sport experience. Children, teens, and young adults living with autism had the opportunity to participate in soccer, hockey, baseball, and football-related activities led by players and representatives from the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, and Vancouver Canadians.
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Educating students. Encouraging inclusion. We CAN Be Friends is a curriculum-based elementary school program that teaches all learners the values of friendship, empathy and inclusion by using grade appropriate lesson plans, autism specific resources and awareness raising activities for the entire school. The We CAN Be Friends program was implemented in 140 schools across British Columbia in the 2013/14 school year, a 20% growth from 2012/13.
YES WE CAN is a new high school club program that enables students to bring awareness about autism to their schools while encouraging social inclusion among all students. Five high schools implemented the YES WE CAN program in the 2013/14 school year.
The
gift of time
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We could not do what we do without the integral help from the selfless individuals who donate their time to ensure that each and every participant has the support they require. This past year, 352 volunteers contributed a total of 8,215 hours across all of our programs.
Volunteer Development At Canucks Autism Network, we value the growth and development of every person who comes into contact with an individual with autism. In 2013/14, CAN volunteers were provided with four full-day training opportunities that focused on strategies to support children and youth with autism in sports and recreation. In addition, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) / Autism Community Training (ACT) Volunteer Training Scholarship was created to award four hardworking volunteers with $500 training scholarships to further develop their autism knowledge.
From Participant to Volunteer The I CAN Volunteer program was introduced in 2013 with the goal of providing opportunities for young adults with autism to step into mentorship roles within their community. Participants attended six weekly leadership workshops with the intent of becoming a Canucks Autism Network Volunteer. Upon completion of the workshops, participants took on various volunteer roles in CAN’s sports programs under the guidance and direction of trained Support Workers.
Volunteer Spotlight - Natasha Chow Natasha is just one of our hundreds of selfless volunteers who dedicate their time to making life better for children, teens and young adults living with autism in BC.
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Watching the CAN participants develop new skills and get better each week is a fantastic experience. What is even better is when you see the sense of accomplishment and happiness on their faces when they are able to perform a skill they couldn’t do before, like skating backwards. What comes as a close second would have to be the parent’s gratitude or just the ecstatic look they have when their child has accomplished something or even just socializing. Collaborating with the staff and other volunteers to create a fun and safe learning environment has taught me some valuable skills that I am excited to build upon.
Our
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reason for being
Family Spotlight - Scott & Teresa Hilderley The Hilderley family are just one of the thousands of families living with autism who benefits from our highquality, adaptive programs every year.
Quite often we get to feeling like we are all alone in this world, and sometimes our first inclination is to conclude that it's easiest just to shut ourselves in and deal with everything on our own, out of the public eye. But when we have experiences like you've provided through CAN, it makes it that much
easier to feel normal. It also helps Owen to challenge himself and expand his comfort zone, which in turn gives him added confidence and enables him to handle a wider variety of the curveballs that life will inevitably send him.
Because of the efforts of Canucks Autism Network, we know that we're not alone, and that there is help out there. We also know that because of your efforts, we can give him a more normal childhood, which will pay huge dividends in his adulthood.
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We can't begin to tell you how inspiring it is to see what you do for kids like Owen, and families like ours. When you have a son like Owen, you learn to celebrate the little victories that each day brings and cherish the opportunities that arise to facilitate more challenges and more victories, particularly when they come through the positive, supportive efforts of people like yourselves. You folks have given us lots of reasons to celebrate, and for that we are truly grateful.
Thanks again to all of you for your efforts at the Camp Shawnigan CAN camp, and also in all of your other initiatives for kids like Owen. You have no idea how much you mean to us.
Our
numbers 1%
1%
35%
37%
26%
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Our
incredible supporters
Donor Spotlight - The Carinha Family We are only able to provide our high quality programs because of the generosity of our committed network of supporters. In 2014, one such donor, John Carinha, started Row4Autism to raise funds for free online learning resources for individuals and families living with autism.
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My desire to support the Canucks Autism Network comes from experiencing the real time effects of their stamp on the autism community and my own son directly. Through their programs, I have witnessed what true joy and success looks like through the eyes of a child who’s chosen to challenge their limits.
CAN to me is really about a group of ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary thing. What they offer families goes well beyond sporting activities. They create connection, hope and opportunity which affords the autism community an outlet to excel, learn and shine on their terms, at their pace. Autism is a gift, and CAN provides the magic to unwrap it.
Our
generous donors & sponsors
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The Canucks Autism Network would like to thank all of our donors and sponsors in 2014. It is due to your support that we can continue to enrich the lives of individuals and families living with autism in BC. The listing represents the cumulative gifts from all donors, sponsors, and fundraising events over their giving history. Donors are listed alphabetically by first name, with companies, organizations, foundations and events listed first followed by individuals.
Professional League ($1 Million +) Canucks for Kids Fund Fishing For Kids West Coast Fishing Club Tournament Donors and Sponsors
Major Junior League ($100,000 - $999,999) Canucks Autism Network Family Festival Donors & Sponsors Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala Finning Canada Macquarie Group Foundation North Growth Foundation Sip, Savour & Support / Savour Cowichan Donors & Sponsors
Minor Junior League ($10,000 - $99,999) Best Buy Canada Best Quality Roofing Tee up "Fore" Autism Golf Tournament Donors & Sponsors Bieksa's Buddies Charity Hockey Game BMO Bank of Montreal Central City Brewers & Distillers Donors & Sponsors CKNW Orphans’ Fund Corix Golf 4 Kids Tournament Donors & Sponsors Els for Autism Canada Face the World Foundation Home Restaurants HSBC Bank Canada Industrial Investments Ltd. Ledcor Group of Companies & Employees Meadow Gardens - 2 Club Golf Tournament Donors & Sponsors Raise it 4 Ryp Golf Tournament Donors & Sponsors Red Card Sports Bar Row4Autism - Donors & Sponsors Scotiabank Charity Challenge Scotiabank Steve Nash Foundation TELUS & TELUS Employees Fund Vancouver Foundation Vancouver International Airport Authority Yes We CAN School Clubs Young Foundation Darryll & Lee Frost Michael BublÊ
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Bantam League ($1,000 - $9,999) Anonymous BC Challenger Baseball BCIT Student Association / Financial Management Association Burberry CN Employees Charity Chest Cowie and Fox Cushman & Wakefield Elsie Roy Elementary School Fitness Unlimited Parking Lot Party Donors & Sponsors Fly Over Canada Hamber Foundation John A Vamplew Law Corporation Kaatza Foundation Kinetic Security London School of Hairdressing Battle of the Barbers Event Donors & Sponsors Lovera Capital Corp. Maple Ridge Chrysler Jeep Dodge Marpole Investments Ltd. Merridale Estate Cidery Milner Family Fund North Coast Nightmares Roller Derby Team North Vancouver Community Foundation PriceWaterhouseCoopers RJDS & Beth Tikvah Golf Tournament Donors & Sponsors Rennie Marketing Systems Saccomaniacs Golf Tournament Sinneave Family Foundation Seattle Seahawks Skima Holdings Ltd. Stewart Family Foundation Surrey Traditional School Tides Canada Toscan Foundation Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club Summerfast 10K Donors and Sponsor Vancouver Talmud Torah ViaSport West Vancouver Community Foundation W.J. Mouat Secondary School The Wolrige Foundation Women’s Media Golf Classic Donors & Sponsors Brian Grange Bruce Knight Caleb Wacholtz Carina Bittel Chris Newton Clark Wilson David Sidhoo Doug Perks Dwight & Shea Jefferson Elena Sapienza F.E. Russell
Isabella Palmeri Jaimie Rosenwirth Jesse Norsworthy Julie Catling Katie Gove M. Ranallo Mark Pattison Matt MacLean Mitchell Freedland Nadine Landa Nancy Henry Nevin Chernick Samuel Keribo Scott Lyons Shelley Hilliard Steve Legge Wayne Deans
Atom League ($500 - $999) Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club Firefighter Association of West Kelowna Fitness Unlimited Hazel Trembath Elementary School Hellings Elementary School Little Flower Academy Mitchell Freedland Design Peak Products Manufacturing Inc. Portal Crane Parts Ltd. Procom Consultants Group Ltd. Romano F. Giusti Law Corporation Sanskriti Cultural Awareness Society TCM & Acupuncture Wellness Day Allan Pun Barbara and Darragh Vamplew Brooks Patterson Bruce McLaren Carol Driver Carmen Helin Joanne Lewis John Sun Julie Zuccaro Kuljit Minhas Marie Westby Michael & Carole McCarthy Michelle Shearwood Rudy Massimo Sandra Birnie Sharon Busch Richard Eng Rick Arora Rob Hall Xaviera Tam
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Our
in-kind donors
We graciously acknowledge our partners and supporters who have welcomed us into their facilities, provided in-kind resources and services, and have assisted us with the delivery of our programs.
24 Hours A & B Party Rentals Abbotsford School District Andrew Purdey Aquilini Investment Group Aramark Autism Community Training (ACT) BC Lions BC Place / Pavco Basketball BC / Steve Nash Basketball Bean Around the World Bridgemans Bistro Britannia Community Centre Burnaby School District Canucks Sports & Entertainment CBC Central City Brewers & Distillers Chilliwack Corn Maze City TV City of Burnaby City of Surrey City of Port Coquitlam Clark's AV Coast Hotel Colorific Digital Printing Solutions Culinary Capers Dave Lodewyk (Dietech) DougieDog Team Aquatic Supplies Dueck GM Eaglequest Golf Course Fratelli Bakery
Full Moon Rentals Gallery 221A Goodbye Graffiti Granola Girl Hawksworth Restaurant Helijet Holiday Inn Express Hastings Street Hugh Culver Jann Arden Jewish Community Centre Kerrigan Gymnastics Academy Kinetic Security La Stella Winery La Vieux Pin Winery Langara Family YMCA The Letter Shop Lugaro Mahony & Sons Mill Bay Marina Group Minichiello Jewellers Moderne Burger More Sports Odin Books Odds Pacific Newspaper Group Pedalheads Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence Pop Chips Power To Be Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Rare Investment RayCam Community Centre
Recreation Excellence Rogers Arena Rosewood Hotel Georgia / Delta Group Saanich Historical Artifact Society Salmon's Rentals Sandy Hill Elementary School Sarah McLachlan School of Music School District of New Westminster Seaspan Seattle Seahawks & Seahawks Canada Simon Eaddy (Soccer Canada) Suzanne Stunder (Pure Design) TSN 1040 Tim Hortons The Tea House at Stanley Park The Tenors Tong Louie YMCA Tom Cochrane Trophy Centre University of British Columbia Upright Décor Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver Parks Board Vancouver Whitecaps FC VanDusen Botanical Gardens VCC Culinary Department Vera's Burger Shack West Coast Fishing Club
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Our
mission at work
Employee Spotlight– Siobhan Doyle, Office Assistant Siobhan is a young adult with autism who has been involved with the Canucks Autism Network as a program participant since 2012, as a volunteer since 2013, and as a paid employee since February 2014.
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I can't tell you how much this job means to Siobhan (and to me, as her mother). It has really boosted her self-confidence. She has never complained about going to work, not once. I have also noticed a huge difference in her behaviour and comments after I tell her that I have signed her up for a program at Canucks Autism Network. In the beginning, when I would register her for a program, I would have to give her short notice before the program began, as I knew she would feel uneasy and the idea of attending the program would cause her anxiety. Now when I register her for a Canucks Autism Network program, I tell her right away and she always shakes her head with approval and satisfaction that she has been registered.
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Siobhan is proud to wear her CAN branded clothing outside of work. She has mentioned to me how she likes to tell people around her what CAN stands for because she wants people to know where she works.
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Canucks Autism Network 101-2020 Yukon Street Vancouver, BC V5Y 3N8 T: 604 685 4049 F: 604 685 4018 canucksautism.ca