Hello! Welcome to the Canucks Autism Network!

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son is on the autism spectrum. CAN is dedicated to building inclusive communities where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive.

Volunteering at CAN

If you are patient, enjoy working within a team, and driven by a strong desire to create accessibility in sport & recreation – we want you! One of the best ways to contribute to our cause is through our incredible volunteering program.

***We are especially looking for volunteers in the following areas: Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack.

 

Program Volunteer

Volunteers would help our participants learn various skills, fine motor movement, social skills, and apply best practices strategies as directed by our supervisors. Types of programs, sports, and events can vary by season.

 

Qualifications needed:

  • Must be 15 years of age of older
  • Fun, enthusiastic, motivated, and a positive team player
  • Excellent people skills and ability to proactively build positive relationships with participants
  • Passion to get involved, an eagerness to learn and open to receiving feedback
  • Patient, collaborative, adaptable, and respectful of children and families
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
  • Punctual and reliable: All programs are between 6-8 weeks in length (once/week). Volunteers that can attend all program weeks are strongly preferred and will receive priority
  • Relevant post-secondary education and/or experience supporting autistic individuals (or other diverse needs) an asset, but not required
  • Volunteers do not need Autism experience to apply.

 

Additional Requirements 

  • If you are applying for a skate program, you must be able to skate forwards, backwards and stop with ease, and able to physically support a beginner participant on the ice
  • If you are applying for a swim program, you must feel comfortable in all depths of the pool
  • If volunteering for a Youth & YA program/event, you must be at least 18 years of age

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provide support to participants alongside Support Workers & promote active engagement & learning
  • Ensure participant engagement through positive reinforcement (ex. high-fives, words of encouragement, etc.)
  • Follow the direction of the Onsite Supervisor & Skills Coach to ensure the success of each program session
  • Closely adhere to the lesson plans delivered by the Skills Coach & adapt to participant(s) needs as required
  • Facilitate peer to peer interaction and socialization amongst program participants
  • Under the direction of the Onsite Supervisor, support the health, safety, and overall well-being of participants by maintaining a safe and hygienic environment, assisting staff with participant toileting and personal care needs in a respectful and dignified manner.
  • Encourage participants to independently partake in activities.
  • Have fun!

 

Time commitment: 1.5 to 3.5 hours per week – depending on the program(s) or event(s) chosen by volunteers.

 

Applicants can contact:

Applicants can sign up to become a CAN Volunteer through Better Impact: https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=c6f99a0f-26ae-4a7f-a535-0e8bef58c4d0&ApplicationFormNumber=1

We onboard volunteers on an ongoing basis, and will reach out to all new applicants through Better Impact regularly.

Questions? Reach out to Kristie DiNardo (Volunteer Coordinator), kristie.dinardo@canucksautism.ca