2013 ANNUAL REPORT
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– 1 –Canucks Autism Network
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Canucks Autism Network – 2 –
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Canuck Autism Network
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 employment related programs for individuals and families living with autism, and to build awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia.
Values
In fulfilling its mission and pursuing its vision, the Canucks Autism Network is guided by the following 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 disorders (ASDs) are a group of disorders, more generally referred to as ‘autism.’ ASDs are diagnosed based on difficulties with social interaction, communication and behaviour, but there is significant variability amongst individuals who share the diagnosis. ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic and social groups, but are almost five times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
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Contents
1
OUR MISSION AT WORK
8
5
OUR FOUNDERS
14 OUR NUMBERS
3 7
ABOUT US
CEO’S MESSAGE
OUR TEAM
11 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 15 OUR DONORS & SUPPORTERS
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The Greatest Gift. A Message From The Founders Of The Canucks Autism Network
Dear friends of the Canucks Autism Network, It is amazing to see how much progress Canucks Autism Network has made in helping families living with autism in British Columbia since the organization was founded by Clara and I in 2008. This past year marked a particularly significant period of growth. We welcomed new families, reached out to new communities, and celebrated five years of empowering families living with autism in British Columbia. In addition, the Canucks Autism Network team expanded, welcoming new talent and energy, while embracing a new home for the organization. As parents of a child with autism, we understand the importance of programs that build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose, which is why Canucks Autism Network is driven by its mission to provide year-round programming for individuals living with autism. In addition, we pride ourselves in providing safe, supportive, and inclusive programs that are accessible to all. However, these programs and their continued expansion would not be possible if it weren’t for you.
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Clara and I are continually moved by the commitment and unbelievable generosity of all of our donors and supporters. We would like to specifically thank the Canucks for Kids Fund, the Fishing for Kids West Coast Fishing Club Tournament participants and sponsors, Finning Canada, North Growth Foundation, and Macquarie for their inspirational support. We are also eternally grateful to the Canucks Autism Network’s board, committee members, staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to fulfill our vision of enhancing the quality of life of individuals and families living with autism in BC. As Canucks Autism Network continues on the trajectory of growth and development, we look to the future with excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately, autism continues to rise at an alarming rate, with 1 in 88 children being diagnosed every year. Thanks to your dedication and support, we are one step closer to realizing our dream of touching every household affected by autism in British Columbia. Sincerely, Paolo and Clara Aquilini
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There are over 8000 children and youth diagnosed with autism in British Columbia.
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A Message From The Canucks Autism Network President & CEO Dear CAN supporters and stakeholders,
On a daily basis I am fortunate to witness the positive outcomes the Canucks Autism Network’s programs have on children, young adults, siblings, and families living with autism. Canucks Autism Network is not only enriching the lives of those affected by this challenging condition, we are training, educating and providing resources for the general public to learn to accept and include individuals with autism in their day to day lives. This past year, we launched our online resource library, introduced training workshops to community recreation providers, and increased our collaboration with other autism stakeholders in the community. We increased the number of trained support staff in programs to ensure we provide the best opportunities and experiences for all participants at all levels of functioning. We measure our success by the demand for our programs and our increasing wait lists. The feedback we receive from families, volunteers, staff and community partners fuels us with the energy to continue growing and reach out to all communities in the province. It is a demonstration of how much families with autism have come to rely upon us as a critical component of their lives. I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to our core funder, the Canucks for Kids Fund, and to the Canucks organization for their continued generosity and support. In particular, I would like to recognize our past spokesperson, Manny Malhotra.
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His passion and enthusiasm to help the autism community was admirable and he remains a true inspiration to all. Thank you Manny! We are proud to announce that the new spokesperson for the Canucks Autism Network is Dan Hamhuis. Watch for Dan’s appearances at our programs and events! I would also like to thank the organizers, sponsors, and participants of the West Coast Fishing Club’s Fishing for Kids Tournament for their incredible altruism and inspiring dedication to the cause. This tournament continues to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Canucks Autism Network. Canucks Autism Network continues to build on the inspiration of the children and young adults we serve. We value the increasing support from the community and are grateful for every dollar that is raised to fund our programs. We successfully achieved the programming objectives of 2012/2013 as a result of the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteer board, enthusiastic staff, and caring volunteers. Thank you for your continued support!
Katy Harandi
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Canuck Autism Network Team
Founders
Paolo & Clara Aquilini
Society Members
Board Of Directors
Clara Aquilini, Director Charmaine Crooks, Director James Gallagher, Director Katy Harandi, Chair, President Robert Standerwick, Director Julia Ward, Director Marie Westby, Director Mark Zastre, Treasurer
Finance Committee Mark Zastre, Chair James Gallagher Katy Harandi
Risk Management Committee James Gallagher, Chair Katy Harandi Robert Standerwick
Staff
Programming Committee Marie Westby, Chair Dot Clouston Norah Flaherty Katy Harandi Tina Linton Kate Norrish Laura Patrick Jenny Sojat Julia Ward
HR, Governance & Nominations Committee Charmaine Crooks, Chair Katy Harandi Robert Standerwick
Jim Crescenzo Saeedeh Salem Ruth Tranter Sue Formosa Simon Myara Glenn Laufer William MacDonald Kevin Hussey Graham Matthews Dorothy Wong A. Steve Michoulas Michael Guenter Lillian Giusti Wes Wong Yvonne Coelho Lawrence Ho Sean Mitchell Katy Harandi, Chief Executive Officer Deborah Louvier, Chief Operating Officer (until July 2013) Noah Morantz, Development Director Stephanie Jull, Programming Director Natalie Hagarty, Program Manager (until August 2013) Megan Tweedy, Volunteer & Resource Manager Kristina Lemieux, Operations Manager (since June 2013) Isabel Angeles, Accountant Ryan Yao, Sports & Recreation Coordinator Ali Gorsak, Sports & Recreation Coordinator Emily Stuible, Community Programs Coordinator Marco Palmeri, Family Adventures Coordinator Samantha Jenkins, We CAN Be Friends Program Coordinator Lindsay Petrie, Marketing Coordinator Amy Turcotte, Program Services Coordinator
Auditor
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“It is a privilege for me to be involved with the Canucks Autism Network. My family has enjoyed our involvement with Canucks Autism Network over the last couple years and look forward to getting to know the families and supporting them any way we can.”
Dan Hamhuis, Spokesperson for Canucks Autism Network
“We are so grateful for the support and opportunities that you and all the staff have given our son. Learning to ride a bike seems insignificant to some, but for us... everything that he learns now will forever change his life for a much brighter future.”
Elvin, Canucks Autism Network Parent
“I want to tell you how amazing soccer camp was for my boys. It was a true highlight of their summer. As a parent, I was extremely grateful for the sibling element. As brothers, they want to do just about everything together which isn't realistic for them. The Canucks Autism Network Soccer Camp provided them with that rare opportunity. Thank you Canucks Autism Network for giving my boys such a wonderful gift this summer!”
Anita, Canucks Autism Network Parent
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1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism; 1 in 54 boys.
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Highlights Of The Year
Increasing Awareness About Autism
The Canucks Autism Network strives to lead the way to more accepting and inclusive communities through initiatives such as the CAN Van Interactive Exhibit and the We CAN Be Friends program.
New Set 3 Kit and Curriculum
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. Canucks Autism Network staff developed a new set of lesson plans and resources for the We CAN Be Friends program, including the animated Super Pinkus video. The Set 3 lesson plans were designed based on a theme of “Making Connections” with a focus on inclusion, leadership, and friendship. Set 3 Kits were distributed to 95 schools who have already received Set 1 and Set 2 Kits, for the 2013-2014 school year.
We CAN Be Friends Pro D Day
On October 19, 2012, Canucks Autism Network staff ran the first We CAN Be Friends Professional Development session for teachers at New West Secondary School. In total, 45 teachers attended the session, including 12 teachers from New West Secondary and 33 teachers from schools who use the We CAN Be Friends program. Teachers spent the first half of the session learning more about autism and the Canucks Autism Network and the second half of the session working in small groups to provide solutions to challenges they experience in the classroom.
CAN Van
The CAN Van is an interactive, autism exhibit that travels to communities throughout British Columbia with the goal of educating the public about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while also providing information on the programs offered by Canucks Autism Network. The CAN Van welcomed over 5000 visitors at 10 events between April-August of 2013 and reached approximately 580,000 people through participation in events such as the Rogers Santa Claus Parade and various Canada Day Parades.
Bringing People Together And Creating New Connections
The Canucks Autism Network is not only about providing programs, but also about raising awareness and bringing people together to create networks of support in the community.
First Annual CAN Sports Day
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On March 17, 2013 representatives from the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, and Vancouver Canadians united under one roof, with the common goal of enriching the lives of individuals living with autism. The CAN Sports Day event took place at the Sports Town Complex in Richmond and invited 100 participants with autism to enjoy a variety of sports based activities at stations led by the four professional teams.
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Second Annual Family Festival
On Sunday, April 28, 2013 families, service providers, government representatives, and members of the community gathered at Jack Poole Plaza in celebration of World Autism Awareness Month. The Canucks Autism Network Family Festival, presented by Macquarie and Fishing for Kids West Coast Fishing Club tournament, welcomed over 1200 attendees and included a fundraising and awareness walk, live entertainment, food and family fun. This year’s event raised an impressive $90,000 for the Canucks Autism Network.
Opportunities And Experiences For Individuals And Families Living With Autism The Canucks Autism Network values programs that build self-confidence and self-esteem as well as experiences that benefit the family as a whole.
I CAN Play Sports Series
The Canucks Autism Network is proud to offer soccer, swim, skate, bike, fitness and basketball programs for individuals living with autism. Each program consists of a coach, support workers and volunteers who provide support for each individual. These programs enable children and youth with autism to try new sports, learn new skills, and make friends in a safe and supportive environment.
Canucks Autism Network Camps
The camp programs offered by the Canucks Autism Network are designed to give individuals and families the opportunity to enjoy a variety of typical camp activities in a safe and supportive environment. Canucks Autism Network offers the following overnight camps: Family Camp, Kids Camp, and Teen Camp, as well as weeklong day camps for teens with autism. Activities at weeklong day camps may include snowshoeing, gymnastics, dragon boating, rock climbing, and other fun adventures.
Social Programs
Canucks Autism Network recognizes the need to provide opportunities for teens and young adults with autism to get together with peers and socialize in a casual but supported environment.
CLICK, a social photography program, was introduced in the Fall of 2012 for teens with autism, aged 13-17. The program provided participants with the chance to learn photography skills, make new friends, and share their work with their peers. The program ended with a showcase of the participants’ photographs in a local art gallery.
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Building Capacity And Strengthening Our Foundation
Approximately 80 cents of every dollar donated to the Canucks Autism Network is spent on programs that enrich the lives of children, youth and young adults living with autism.
Fishing for Kids West Coast Fishing Club Tournament
The 2013 Fishing for Kids Tournament soared to new heights this year raising an astounding $1.17 million dollars for the Canucks Autism Network. The annual tournament, which takes place at the world-class West Coast Fishing Club in the spectacular Haida Gwaii, brings together 45 business and community leaders who are determined to make a meaningful impact through charitable giving. The philanthropy demonstrated by the participants continues the legacy of generosity that has become synonymous with what is now known as the premiere charity fishing tournament in the Pacific Northwest.
Sip, Savour & Support Best of the Cowichan Valley
On September 28, 2013, a crowd of over 300 gathered on a 160 foot barge at Mill Bay Marina in support of families living with autism in Cowichan Valley, Victoria, and Nanaimo. The inaugural event showcased ten restaurants paired with ten wineries, offering samples of their finest food and drink. The crowd was entertained by blues guitarist David Gogo and several celebrity guests, including Vancouver Canucks players and representatives. All proceeds raised at the event will be used to create a new three day camp as well as networking events for families living with autism on Vancouver Island.
Volunteering With The Canucks Autism Network The Canucks Autism Network’s success is largely attributed to the hard work and dedication of the selfless individuals who generously donate their time and talents to the organization. The Canucks Autism Network’s volunteer team is made up of over 420 individuals who represent a diverse group ranging in age (15-67yrs), demographics, and level of experience. Together they make up a strong and passionate force that impacts the lives of so many individuals and families living with autism in British Columbia.
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Our Numbers Uses of Funds
$2,657,993
Sources of Funds
$2,657,993
A Message From The Canucks Autism Network Treasurer
The Canucks Autism Network’s approach continues to be a focus on a conservative expectation as to future earnings, with spending that emphasizes a high quality and sustainable approach to each of our programs. Canucks Autism Network is committed to ensuring that donations from all funding sources are used in the most effective manner as possible. This includes the cost of raising funds. Mark Zastre Treasurer of the Board of Directors A very special thanks to our core benefactor, the Canucks for Kids Fund, who generously provides Canucks Autism Network with essential funds, and our families with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Special thanks to all the donors who have made a significant contribution to the Canucks Autism Network over the past year.
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Donors, Events & Sponsors
The Canucks Autism Network would like to thank all of our donors and sponsors in 2013. It is due to your support that we can continue to enrich the lives of individuals and families living with autism in British Columbia. The listing represents all donors, sponsors, and fundraising events and is recorded as their accumulated donation over their giving history. Donors are listed alphabetically, with companies, organizations and events listed first followed by individuals.
Professional League $1 Million+
Canucks for Kids Fund Fishing for Kids West Coast Fishing Club Tournament Donors & Sponsors
Major Junior League ($999,999-$100,000)
Canucks Autism Network Family Festival Donors & Sponsors Brian Jessel Cabriolet Gala Finning Canada Macquarie and Macquarie Foundation North Growth Foundation
Major Junior League ($99,999-$50,000)
BMO Bank of Montreal Macquarie-Hawksworth FFK Dinner Donors & Sponsors Mill Bay Marina-Sip, Savour & Support Event Donors & Sponsors
Bantam League ($49,999-$10,000) Best Buy Canada Best Quality Roofing Tee up “Fore” Autism Bieksa's Buddies Charity Hockey Game Central City Brewers & Distillers Event Corix Golf 4 Kids Tournament Face the World Foundation Home Restaurants HSBC Bank Canada Industrial Investments Ltd. Ledcor Group of Companies
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Meadow Gardens 2 - Club Golf Tournament Red Card Sports Bar Scotiabank Charity Challenge Steve Nash Foundation TELUS Vancouver Foundation Darryll Frost Michael Bublé
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Atom League ($9,999-$1,000)
Anonymous Battle of the Barbers Event BC Challenger Baseball Little League Golf Classic Best Buy Canada Burberry Elsie Roy Elementary School Hamber Foundation Kaatza Foundation Kinetic Security Inc. Lovera Capital Corp. North Vancouver Community Foundation North Coast Nightmares Roller Derby Team PriceWaterhouseCoopers Raise it 4 Ryp Golf Tournament Rennie Marketing Systems Saccomaniacs Golf Tournament Sinneave Family Foundation Seattle Seahawks Skima Holdings Ltd. Soar Over Canada Stewart Family Foundation TELUS Employee Fund The Wolrige Foundation Tides Canada Toscan Foundation Vancouver Talmud Torah West Vancouver Community Foundation Young Foundation Brian Grange Bruce Knight Caleb Wacholtz Carina Bittel Clark Wilson David McBeath David Sidoo Doug Perks Elena Sapienza F.E. Russell Isabella Palmeri Jaimie Rosenwirth Jesse Norsworthy Julie Catling Katie Gove M. Ranallo Mitchell Freedland Nancy Henry
Nadine Landa Nevin Chernick Scott Lyons Samuel Keribo Shelley Hilliard Wayne Deans
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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. A&B Party Rentals Abbotsford School District Andrew Purdey Aquilini Investment Group Aramark Autism Community Training (ACT) BC Lions Basketball BC / Steve Nash Basketball Bean Around the World Bridgemans Bistro Britannia Community Centre Burnaby School District Canucks Sports and Entertainment CBC Central City Brewers & Distillers Chilliwack Corn Maze City TV City of Burnaby City of Surrey City of Port Coquitlam City of Coquitlam Coast Hotel Colorific Digital Printing Solutions Culinary Capers Dave Lodenyk (Dietech) DB Perks Aquatic Supplies Dueck GM Eaglequest Golf Club Full Moon Rentals Fratelli Bakery Gallery 221A Goodbye Graffiti Hawksworth Restaurant Helijet Holiday Inn Express Hastings Street Hollywood 3 Cinemas Jann Arden Jewish Community Centre Kinetic Security La Stella Winery La Vieux Pin Winery Langara Family YMCA Ledcor Group of Companies Left Field Cider Company
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Lugaro Jewelers More Sports Odin Books Pacific Newspaper Group Pedalheads Pop Chips Rare Investment RayCam Community Centre Recreation Excellence Rogers Arena Rosewood Hotel Georgia – Delta Group Saanich Historical Artifact Society Salmon’s Rentals Sand Hill Elementary School School District of New Westminster Seaspan Seattle Seahawks and Seahawks Canada Simon Eaddy (Soccer Canada) Team 1040 Tim Hortons The Tea House at Stanley Park The Tenors Tong Louis YMCA Trophy Centre University of British Columbia Upright Décor Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club Vancouver Community College, Culinary Department Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver Parks Board Vancouver Whitecaps FC VanDusen Botanical Garden Vera’s Burger Shack West Coast Fishing Club
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Canucks Autism Network continues to be inspired by the individuals we serve. We are excited for the future.
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