Camp benefits families from the North, affected by autism

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - July 28, 2015 - PRLog -- In response to the isolation and lack of respite support for families living with autism in B.C.’s northern communities, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is organizing a camp benefiting 20 families from the North (Prince George, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John, Terrace and surrounding communities). Families, who have been identified with the help of social workers as most in-need of respite care, will be flown to Vancouver on Friday, August 7, returning home on Monday, August 10. Children with autism and their siblings will be taken to a CAN overnight camp in Port Moody for the weekend while parents receive much-needed respite in Vancouver.

Children will have the opportunity to make new friends and participate in a variety of camp activities while being supported by a high ratio of trained CAN staff and volunteers. Parents will be provided with a complimentary hotel stay, discounted passes to local restaurants and attractions, and with an opportunity to meet other parents and build support systems.

Children will be reunited with their parents on Sunday, August 9 for a banquet and information session at the Pacific Gateway Hotel. The banquet will provide an opportunity for families to network and learn about support services that are available in their home communities.

Prince Rupert mother Christine Danroth has been an advocate for increased support for families in the North struggling with the daily challenges associated with autism. “In the past I have felt isolated due to a lack of resources in my region,” says Danroth. “Because of the lack of support, parents can get burnt out with exhaustion and their kids can suffer from it. This camp will allow parents from the North to have some respite and for the kids to go to camp and just be who they are. It will also allow us parents to connect and share and realize that we are not alone - and that is an added bonus.”

The camp is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide support to the northern regions of B.C.

“At CAN, we strive to build networks and increase accessibility and our hope is that the camp will act as a catalyst to bring families together and make them aware of the support that is available to them,” says CAN CEO Katy Harandi. “We will also engage in training opportunities to further build capacity in the North. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that anyone who comes into contact with an individual with autism is equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and strategies to best support them in a variety of settings.”

The camp has been made possible thanks to the West Coast Fishing Club’s Fishing for Kids Tournament, charter flights donated by Pacific Coastal Airlines, and hotel accommodations provided by Pacific Gateway Hotel. “We're pleased to support the Canuck Autism Network and the important work that it does", says Pacific Coastal Airlines' Director of Sales and Marketing Kevin Boothroyd. "We look forward to welcoming these children and their families on board our flights to Vancouver in the near future."

Media are invited to attend the banquet at the Pacific Gateway Hotel at 6:00 p.m. P.T. CAN CEO, Katy Harandi, will be available for interviews in addition to select families living with autism.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (CAN)

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year round, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, social and employment related programs for individuals and families living with autism while building awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia.  For more information, please visit www.canucksautism.ca.