Making Waves for Autism: A Growing Legacy of Impact

Making Waves for Autism began with a simple but powerful idea: bring people together through meaningful challenges and raise critical funds to support autistic people and their families across Canada.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the first two years of Making Waves raised more than $110,000 for Autism Canada. These funds helped launch the Community Assistance Program (CAP) in October 2024, months ahead of schedule, providing direct financial support to families across the country.

Today, CAP helps autistic people and their families access essential services that are often not publicly funded or only partially covered. This includes behavioural therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health supports, educational supports, assessments, and assistive or adaptive equipment.
The need for support continues to grow across the country. In just the first three months of 2026, Autism Canada received 102 requests for funding through the Community Assistance Program (CAP), reflecting the significant demand families face when trying to access essential services. At the same time, 539 service providers are now registered with Autism Canada, creating a growing national network that helps connect families to supports in their own communities. While this progress is encouraging, it also highlights the reality many families face: services exist, but financial barriers often prevent people from accessing them. CAP plays a critical role in helping bridge this gap by providing direct financial support that allows autistic people and their caregivers to move forward with therapies, communication supports, and other services that improve quality of life. As demand continues to increase, programs like CAP ensure that families are not left navigating these challenges alone.

Our MWFA 2026 giving program is now live - please DONATE here and help us make waves 🌊
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*Following or sharing our social posts is equally as helpful. Thank you! 

​Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, Making Waves for Autism has raised more than $110,000 over the past two years, providing meaningful support to autistic individuals and their families through Autism Canada’s Community Assistance Program.
 
Here is the impact in 2025 alone:

• Families Supported: 56
• Provinces Reached: 4 (Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario)
• Total Distributed: $55,663.48
• Average Age of Recipients: 9

 
Funds helped cover therapies, diagnostic assessments, mental health supports, respite services, and specialized programs that are often not covered by public or private funding.
 
Thank you to everyone who helped make this impact possible. We look forward to sharing exciting news about the 2026 iteration of Making Waves for Autism soon!

We’re officially kicking off Making Waves for Autism 2025—and it starts with you.


Our Individual Challenges are now live, giving paddlers across Canada a chance to make an impact on their own terms. Whether you’re hitting the water solo or logging kilometers on dry land, there’s a challenge for everyone.


This year’s theme? 365/24/7—a powerful reminder that autism is every day, all day, and all year.


Here’s how you can take part:
• 365 Challenge – Log 365 km over May. Tackle it in one go or chip away at it throughout the month.
• 24 Challenge – Paddle for 24 hours in May. Spread it out or rally your crew for a 24-hour relay.
• 7 Challenge – Paddle for 7 days straight—any distance, any time in May.
• Choose Your Own Adventure – Set a goal that challenges you, in a way that works for your lifestyle and ability.


Complete your challenge any time between May 1–31. You’ll be raising funds for Autism Canada while showing the world what real commitment looks like.


So rally your friends, set a goal, and make some waves!


Register now on www.makingwavesforautism.ca


P.S. Team Challenges are launching soon…
Think 365 km in a day with your club or crew. Stay tuned—details are dropping next week!

Making Waves for Autism is back—bigger and better than ever! This year, we’re making waves across Canada, inviting paddlers from coast to coast to take on a meaningful challenge in support of Autism Canada.
 
On May 1, 2025, we’ll kick off a month-long paddling challenge, encouraging individuals and teams to set their own goals, push their limits, and raise vital funds. Whether you’re paddling on a lake, river, ocean, or even an erg at home, every stroke counts in creating awareness and support for those affected by autism.
 
Why We Paddle
 
Autism impacts individuals and families 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The journey is lifelong, requiring constant care, advocacy, and support. Making Waves for Autism is about more than just paddling—it’s about recognizing this ongoing reality and standing in solidarity with the autism community.
 
This year, choose a challenge that reflects the dedication, resilience, and strength of individuals and families affected by autism:
 
Choose Your Challenge
 
✅ 365 Challenge – Paddle 365 km over the month of May. A true test of endurance, symbolizing the daily journey of autism and the unwavering commitment of families and caregivers.
 
✅ 24 Challenge – Paddle for a total of 24 hours throughout May. Break it up however you like—one hour a day, longer weekend paddles—it’s your call. This challenge represents the round-the-clock dedication of those supporting individuals with autism.
 
✅ 7 Challenge – Paddle any distance for 7 consecutive days at any point in May. A great way to build momentum, spread awareness, and stay active while making a difference.
 
✅ Choose Your Own Adventure – Make it personal! Set a challenge that aligns with your own goals and abilities—whether it’s a long-distance paddle, a sunrise-to-sunset session, or something unique to you. However you participate, your efforts will create real impact.
 
Paddling as a Team
 
Want to take on the challenge with friends, family, or colleagues? Form a team and work together toward a shared goal! Whether it’s collectively paddling 365 km, completing 24 hours on the water, or creating your own challenge, the power of teamwork can drive even greater change.
 
How to Get Involved

• Register for a challenge – Choose your paddling goal and commit to making waves in May.
• Fundraise for Autism Canada – Every dollar raised supports essential programs, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families.
• Join us for the official launch on May 1 – no matter where you're paddling, we’ll be celebrating together as a national community.

 
Making Waves Across Canada
 
Last year, our first-ever Making Waves for Autism event in Kelowna raised nearly $46,000—funding vital programs and support for those impacted by autism. Now, as we expand nationwide, we’re aiming even higher.
 
No matter where you are in Canada, you can be part of this movement. Sign up today, set your goal, and start paddling!
 
Register Now
 
Together, let’s make waves for autism—one stroke at a time!