Meridian is Proud to Partner with CAN for an Amazing Cause
April is Autism Acceptance Month and Meridian is proud to partner once again with the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) for the full month. While the fundraiser itself is operated in April, CAN provides year-round services to children, individuals, and families living with autism by focusing on three main areas.
Programs
By offering specialized support techniques tailored to individuals with autism, encouraging parent participation, and ensuring a sufficient number of staff and volunteers at all times, CAN's programs are able to ensure success for all its participants regardless of each person's needs. Programs focus on building confidence, sports-related skills, social skills, communication skills, and everything is done within a safe and understanding setting.
Training
In the spirit of creating opportunities for all and better educating the public, CAN provides training and resources for a number of community and job sectors including:
- sports
- first responders
- schools
- and other community spaces
Community Engagement
Very much connected to the training aspect, the purpose of community engagement is to "create more inclusive environments where individuals with autism and their families can feel understood, accepted, and supported in a range of community activities and spaces" as per CAN's website.
A Cause that is Close to Home
In 2009, Brody McDearmid, company partner, and his wife Carrie welcomed their son David into the world. Shortly thereafter David was diagnosed with autism. David is a remarkable little boy, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. He is the inspiration behind our company commitment to support the Canucks Autism Network. Thanks to CAN, David, along with 100’s of other kids living with autism, have opportunities to participate in a variety of high-quality activities in a fun and safe environment, tailored for kids, teens and young adults with autism including sports, camps, social activities, and family events, with one-to-one support available from trained staff and dedicated volunteers.
It's More Than Just Winging It
So from April 1 to April 30, Meridian is proud to once again donate $1 from every pound of wings that we sell. And if you're looking for some recipe ideas, we've got you covered—check out our Instagram page all month long for wing and dip ideas as well as the link below. Enjoy!
