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MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDERS OF THE CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK Our focus this past year, as always, has been on improving the quality of life for families living with autism, and we are once again proud of the year’s accomplishments. In addition, we are thrilled to have recently celebrated five years of empowering individuals with autism. However, there is still much work to be done. We recognize the rising need for our programs, as well as the rising need for your support. With 1 in 88 individuals now being diagnosed, we continue to see the demand for our programs increase, with hundreds of new families looking to CAN for support. Having raised a son on the spectrum, we understand that most families living with autism are financially burdened, and some also geographically isolated, which is why CAN strives to offer accessible programs throughout BC. Your generosity allows us to offer our transformational programs year-round, at little to no cost. You have helped lay the ground for confidence - building, inclusion, skills development and friendship. However, we aspire not only to be the leader in programming, but to lead the way to more accepting and inclusive communities, through initiatives such as the CAN Van Interactive Autism Exhibit. Our vision for CAN is limitless due to the relentless dedication and incredible generosity of all of our supporters. We especially want to extend our thanks to the Canucks for Kids Fund, the Fishing for Kids West Coast Fishing Club Tournament, Finning Canada, North Growth Foundation and Macquarie for their inspirational generosity. Thanks to your support, we look to the future with renewed energy and excitement as we endeavor to reach every household affected by autism in our province. We are truly grateful to you- our donors, partners, volunteers, staff and members-for your unending commitment to families affected by autism in our province. We are honoured and excited to be on this journey together and we look forward to many more future successes as CAN continues to grow and evolve.
Paolo and Clara Aquilini