Pacific Autism Family Network

On October 18, John Hallam took on the IRONMAN in California, pushing himself through an incredible endurance challenge in support of Pacific Autism Family Network. Not only did John cross the finish line, but he also raised thousands of dollars to support PAFN and the Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals and families in our community. We’re incredibly grateful to John for his dedication, generosity, and commitment to meaningful inclusion. His efforts are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you put your heart into something that matters. Thank you, John, for going the distance for our community!

Today, we are celebrating 3 years of Paper Planes Cafe! ✈️☕ Created through a partnership between Pacific Autism Family Network and Vancouver International Airport, Paper Planes Cafe is built on a shared vision of creating a more meaningfully inclusive world, especially within the workplace. Through our cafe training program, Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals gain up to eight months of paid, hands-on work experience in the hospitality industry, building valuable skills and receiving support as they take their next steps toward employment in the community. We couldn't celebrate this milestone without recognizing our incredible partner, YVR. Their continued support and commitment to creating more inclusive employment opportunities have helped make Paper Planes what it is today. And to the YVR team members who make us part of their daily coffee routine, THANK YOU!

We’ve had a wonderful time getting to know our new Learn4Independence cohort over the past two months! L4I is a program for Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults aged 19+ that focuses on building functional life skills and independence. Participants explore a range of topics, including organization, safety, nutrition, identity, transportation and more! Learn more ➡️ tr.ee/guGCnz

We’re proud to announce @RBC as our 2026 GAMECHANGER Award recipient! RBC’s longstanding partnership with Pacific Autism Family Network has helped make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across British Columbia through support for employment initiatives, community events and the expansion of the AIDE Canada Library. As Martin Thibodeau, Regional President at RBC, shares: “When you see the difference PAFN makes in the lives of individuals and families across British Columbia, you understand why this work matters so much. Sergio, Wendy and the PAFN team have built something truly special. RBC is proud to have been part of that journey, and we are grateful for this partnership that has meant so much to us over the years.” Thank you to RBC and Martin for your continued partnership and commitment to our community. We are so excited to be officially 1 month away from the LAUNCH Holiday Luncheon. Interested in attending? There are still tickets, tables, and sponsorships available ➡️ tr.ee/O7UKKx

Join R.H.N. Kate Hutchinson for a free talk on Nutrition for Neurodivergence. Learn practical ways nutrition may support neurodivergent brains and explore strategies for individuals and families navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and more. 📅 Tuesday, November 10 🕖 7:00–8:45 p.m. 📍 Templeton Park Pool Activity Room, 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver Pre-register here: wholefamilynutrition.ca/even…

Every week as part of the JET Community Lunch Program, participants help plan, prepare, and serve a healthy meal for fellow participants and team members. 🥗 From growing and harvesting vegetables from our very own garden, to learning food prep and cooking skills, each task is an opportunity to build confidence, independence, and skills that can be used in everyday life.

The 8th Annual LAUNCH Holiday Luncheon is just around the corner! Taking place November 26th at the Westin Bayshore, LAUNCH brings our community together to celebrate the impact of meaningful inclusion and support the programs and services PAFN provides to Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals and their families. Learn more and support LAUNCH ➡️ tr.ee/QeNtZE

An important aspect of reconciliation is taking time to learn from and reflect on Indigenous teachings and perspectives. On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite all Canadians to learn more about Dr. Grant Bruno’s work and the Indigenous understanding of neurodivergent people as having “the gift of being different” - a perspective that recognizes and honours the value of difference. Today, we remember the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. May we continue to listen, learn and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. Watch The Gift of Being Different ➡️ ow.ly/1Alw50ZRE4O

Little Pilots Inclusive Daycare is accepting applications! Looking for a warm, welcoming, and inclusive daycare for your child? Little Pilots provides care for children ages 2.5–5 in Richmond, BC. At Little Pilots, children learn, play, and grow in a supportive environment with: ✨ Small-group learning ✨ A caring and experienced teaching team ✨ Individualized support based on each child's strengths and needs ✨ Collaboration with families and specialists ✨ Opportunities to build confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills Interested in learning more? Click here ➡️ pacificautismfamily.com/litt… or contact us! 📩 daycare@pacificautismfamily.com 📞 604-207-1980 ext. 1985

The 8th Annual LAUNCH Holiday Luncheon is now 50% sold! Every table and sponsorship helps expand essential programs and services for Autistic individuals and their families, fostering connection, belonging, and meaningful inclusion in our communities. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available. We hope you'll join us in helping lives LAUNCH! ➡️ tr.ee/QeNtZE

We're a week away from Inclusion in Motion - 1KM Walk & Family Festival! Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026 for a 1KM Walk & Family Festival co-hosted by @autismsupportbc and @gt4sibs. This community event brings together families, friends, and supporters of all abilities while raising critical funds to support Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals and their families. 📍3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond BC. (Pacific Autism Family Network) 🗓️ September 26th, 2026 🕙 AM–2:00 PM 🎟 Register ➡️ autismsupportbc.ca/inclusion… A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, the @BCLions and our champion sponsor @yvrairport for supporting Inclusion in Motion and promoting meaningful inclusion!

This October, John Hallam will compete in his first IRONMAN race. 🏊🚴🏃 Along the way, he’s raising funds and awareness for Pacific Autism Family Network and sharing why this challenge means so much to him. Read his story ➡️ tr.ee/07tr2Z Support his fundraiser ➡️ tr.ee/XM71HI

Now that our JET Participants have started harvesting the vegetables they’ve grown in their garden, they were able to donate some of their fresh produce to the Richmond Food Bank. 🌱🥕 All summer, the gardening module has been an amazing way for participants to learn, connect with each other, build confidence, and now, give back to the community! 💚

🧱 LEGO® lovers, this one’s for you! Brick-by-Brick: Building Meaningful Inclusion is back! In partnership with Pooni Group Foundation, Pacific Autism Family Network is inviting organizations and community groups to recreate an iconic B.C. moment using LEGO® bricks. It’s a fun and competitive way to bring your team together, get creative, and make a difference for Autistic individuals and their families across B.C. Plus, there’s bragging rights on the line. 👀 Your creation will be presented to an esteemed panel of judges, then showcased at PAFN’s annual LAUNCH Holiday Luncheon in front of 700+ government, business, and community leaders. Don’t have time to build? You can still get involved by sponsoring a community group and helping them take part in the fun! Learn more ➡️ tr.ee/3QLOcT @PooniGroup

We’ve been having a blast with our GAMECHANGERS program this year! 🦁🏈 Thanks to the @BCLions, we’re able to give Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals and their families the opportunity to experience a BC Lions home game in a supportive and inclusive environment. And there are still 4️⃣ home games left! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive entry forms for upcoming game draws ➡️ eepurl.com/c8Iay5 The next draw is coming your way Thursday!

Our JET participants have been busy learning, growing, and building new skills at 'Nono’s Garden' this summer! Recently, participants picked garlic, tomatoes, cucumbers and more, getting to see the results of the time and care they’ve put into their garden. The JET Gardening Model is designed as a hands-on learning experience where participants are involved in the full journey of growing food, to eating it! This year, thanks to a greenhouse generously donated by John Anderson, Chairman, CEO & Managing Partner of The Oppenheimer Group, we’ve been able to grow an even greater variety of fruits and vegetables. 🍅🥒🧄🥬

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support and generosity of PDAC (Professional Development Association in Canada). 💜 Through their Charity Gala, Zumba for Love, and other community initiatives, PDAC continues to demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion and community support across British Columbia. As the PDAC team shared, “Many members of our team have seen firsthand how important inclusion and community support are for families navigating challenges and life transitions.” We’re so grateful to PDAC for putting those values into action, supporting PAFN programs, and helping create more opportunities for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families.