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 $184,000 for Autism Canada. The impact of these funds has been extraordinary. Support from Making Waves helped Autism Canada launch the Community Assistance Program (CAP) ahead of schedule in October 2024.
CAP provides subsidized financial assistance to help reduce barriers to care for Autistic people across their lifespan, including children, youth, and adults, as well as the families and caregivers who support them. Through a growing network of more than 539 registered service providers across Canada, CAP helps people access services that are often not publicly funded or only partially covered.
Funding may help families access:
The need for support continues to grow.
In just the first few months of 2026, Autism Canada received 134 requests for funding, representing more than $150,000 in requested support. For many families, the challenge isn't finding support, it's being able to afford it. CAP helps bridge that gap by providing financial assistance that allows people to access services sooner, reducing delays and helping them move forward with confidence.
Every kilometre paddled, every stroke rowed, and every dollar raised helps more families access the support they need.
Honouring Tyler’s Vision
Making Waves for Autism was founded in memory of Tyler, the late cousin of founder Kim Inglis, who passed away in August 2023. Tyler was passionate about raising awareness and funds for autism, inspired by his young son on the autism spectrum. Before his passing, he had been planning a charity boxing event in support of Autism Canada.
While that event never came to be, Making Waves for Autism carries his vision forward in a new way.
While the event began on the water, its purpose has always been much bigger. Today, participants honour Tyler’s legacy in whatever way feels meaningful to them, coming together through movement, challenge, and community to support families across Canada.
A National Movement
2027 marks its fourth year! Making Waves for Autism has grown into a national movement. Individuals, teams, and clubs across Canada are invited to take on their own challenge to raise awareness and funds for autism support.
While paddling remains at the heart of the event, participation is intentionally inclusive and flexible. Whether it’s paddling, rowing, walking, running, cycling, or any activity that feels meaningful and accessible, participants can get involved in a way that works for them.
Challenges can take place on the water, on land, or anywhere in between, making it easy for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to be part of the movement. Whether you’re completing a single activity, a multi-day challenge, or something entirely your own, every effort contributes to a larger impact.
Together, we are creating waves of hope, inclusion, and support for families who need it most.
Join the movement. Donate today and help make 2027 our most impactful year yet.
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 $184,000 for Autism Canada. The impact of these funds has been extraordinary. Support from Making Waves helped Autism Canada launch the Community Assistance Program (CAP) ahead of schedule in October 2024.
CAP provides subsidized financial assistance to help reduce barriers to care for Autistic people across their lifespan, including children, youth, and adults, as well as the families and caregivers who support them. Through a growing network of more than 539 registered service providers across Canada, CAP helps people access services that are often not publicly funded or only partially covered.
Funding may help families access:
- Autism assessments
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavioural supports
- Mental health counselling and psychotherapy
- Respite services
- Transition and life skills supports
- Communication devices and adaptive equipment
- Neurodivergent-focused camps and recreation programs
The need for support continues to grow.
In just the first few months of 2026, Autism Canada received 134 requests for funding, representing more than $150,000 in requested support. For many families, the challenge isn't finding support, it's being able to afford it. CAP helps bridge that gap by providing financial assistance that allows people to access services sooner, reducing delays and helping them move forward with confidence.
Every kilometre paddled, every stroke rowed, and every dollar raised helps more families access the support they need.
Honouring Tyler’s Vision
Making Waves for Autism was founded in memory of Tyler, the late cousin of founder Kim Inglis, who passed away in August 2023. Tyler was passionate about raising awareness and funds for autism, inspired by his young son on the autism spectrum. Before his passing, he had been planning a charity boxing event in support of Autism Canada.
While that event never came to be, Making Waves for Autism carries his vision forward in a new way.
While the event began on the water, its purpose has always been much bigger. Today, participants honour Tyler’s legacy in whatever way feels meaningful to them, coming together through movement, challenge, and community to support families across Canada.
A National Movement
2027 marks its fourth year! Making Waves for Autism has grown into a national movement. Individuals, teams, and clubs across Canada are invited to take on their own challenge to raise awareness and funds for autism support.
While paddling remains at the heart of the event, participation is intentionally inclusive and flexible. Whether it’s paddling, rowing, walking, running, cycling, or any activity that feels meaningful and accessible, participants can get involved in a way that works for them.
Challenges can take place on the water, on land, or anywhere in between, making it easy for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to be part of the movement. Whether you’re completing a single activity, a multi-day challenge, or something entirely your own, every effort contributes to a larger impact.
Together, we are creating waves of hope, inclusion, and support for families who need it most.
Join the movement. Donate today and help make 2027 our most impactful year yet.