Giving Tuesday – Canucks Autism Network

Every year on Giving Tuesday, VSSL partners with a local organization to raise vital funding and support for their cause. Since Day 1 we’ve employed autistic youth and adults for our warehousing and product assembly work. Except for VSSL JAVA, all our VSSL units are assembled by our team here in Abbotsford, BC.

Autism is characterized by differences in social interaction, communication and sensory sensitivities. This can often make it challenging for autistic job seekers to find steady employment. But with simple adaptations to VSSL’s processes, workflow and schedules, we’ve seen first-hand how businesses can benefit from their wide range of capabilities and strengths.

There are far more people out there on the spectrum that need jobs, well beyond what VSSL is able to provide. But fortunately, there is an incredible organization in our area that is entirely committed to increasing representation of individuals on the autism spectrum in the workplace. Not only that, but they also provide valuable programs, including outdoor recreation, to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

We’re incredibly proud to be teaming up with the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) this year as our Giving Tuesday recipient. All profits from our sales on Tuesday, November 30th will be donated to the Canucks Autism Network.

As VSSL grows, so does our need to expand our workforce. Through this partnership, The Canucks Autism Network is committed to not only assisting in employee placement at VSSL, but helping us to get the word out that inclusive hiring can be a viable part of a staffing program.

This year, 100% of the profits we make from sales on Giving Tuesday will go to the Canucks Autism Network. While the Holiday Season is a time of celebration, it is also an opportunity to think beyond our own wants and needs. We encourage you to use Giving Tuesday as the day you make your VSSL purchase so that, together, we can help support the Canucks Autism Network and their dedicated team who are making a difference in our community.

About Canucks Autism Network

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son has autism. CAN is dedicated to providing programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. CAN increases inclusive hiring by working with both autistic job seekers and businesses. They are an official partner of Ready, Willing & Able (RWA), a national employment initiative for autistic individuals and those with intellectual disabilities. Learn more at canucksautism.ca/employment.