Register for the walk/run event for Canucks Autism Network in YVR

Children with special needs and adults with autism who struggle with airline security and boarding procedures are getting a helping hand from the travel industry charity organization, Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

To supercharge its efforts for the cause, the travel industry group Friends In Travel will soon operate a run/walk event in a Vancouver-area park to raise funds for CAN.

Friends In Travel is now seeking the participation of travel industry members to take part in the Longest Day Walk and Run 2025 to help finance the work of CAN. CAN provides programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

 Friends in Travel will host the fundraising event for CAN on June 22 at Iona Beach Regional Park, near to YVR airport, with an expected start time of 9:30 a.m. The continued partnership between the Canucks Autism Network, Air Canada, Air Canada Foundation and YVR has been key to increasing travel accessibility for the autism community in B.C. 

 YVR Autism Aviation Days, a collaboration between YVR, Air Canada, Air Canada Foundation and CAN, provides an opportunity for autistic individuals and their families to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a highly supported environment. The practice run includes checking-in, going through security screening, boarding an Air Canada Express aircraft for a simulated pre-flight experience. The initiative began in 2014, and after 10 years these efforts have made a positive difference for more than 500 individuals.

“Over the years, we have supported many East Side charities,” said Edna Ray, the senior manager of regional sales/global sales for Air Canada. “This year, in view of the work we do with Autism Aviation Days in collaboration with YVR Airport Authority, Air Canada Foundation and Canucks Autism Network, the suggestion was to have CAN (Canucks Autism Network) be the charity of choice.” 

The Longest Day Walk and Run will be four or eight-kilometres in distance at Iona Beach Regional Park, where a four-kilometre jetty stretches straight out into the water like a runway – an especially fitting location given its proximity to YVR and its connection to the tourism industry, said Maxwell.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and wraps up by noon.

To participate in the Longest Day Walk/Run on June 22, please register at: www.fityvr.ca

For more information, visit canucksautism.ca