FAQs
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Got questions? We've got you covered!
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INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGES:
Where is Making Waves for Autism taking place?
In 2025, the event runs from May 1-31 and takes place all across Canada.
Are there any incentives for individual fundraisers?
Yes! Anyone who raises $500 or more as an individual will receive an exclusive invitation to a live webinar with Olympic champion Katie Vincent. It's a rare chance to hear from one of Canada's top athletes and ask her questions directly.
How far do I have to paddle?
Making Waves for Autism is an inclusive, non-competitive, community-based fundraiser. Choose a challenge that suits your comfort and ability—have fun and start paddling!
Do I have to complete my challenge in one day?
No! You have the entire month of May to complete your challenge at your own pace.
Do I have to do the entire challenge on the water?
We know Canadian weather can be unpredictable! If conditions aren’t ideal, you can log your kilometers or hours on a paddle erg or rowing erg.
Can I participate if I don't have access to a waterway?
Yes! You can use a paddle erg or rowing erg, or support the cause by fundraising and spreading awareness.
I'm doing an individual challenge, but I often paddle in team boats. Can I count those kilometers and/or hours?
Yes! Whether you’re in a single or a team boat, your effort counts. While you’re at it, encourage your teammates to join in!
I'm a rower, not a paddler. Can I participate?
Absolutely! We welcome all self-propelled watercraft, including rowing and paddle ergs.
Can kids participate?
Yes! You can paddle as part of a team, set a collective goal, and fundraise together.
How do I track my paddling or rowing progress?
You can log your kilometers or hours manually on your fundraising page or use a GPS tracking app.
Is there an official hashtag for social media?
Yes! Use #MakingWavesForAutism to share your journey and inspire others!
TEAM CLUB CHALLENGE:
What is the Team Club Challenge?
The Team Club Challenge is part of Making Waves for Autism, where paddle clubs across Canada commit to paddling 365 kilometers to raise funds and awareness for Autism Canada.
Why 365 kilometers?
Because autism is 365. Families support their loved ones every single day—and this challenge represents that daily dedication. It’s also a powerful team-building experience for your club!
Who can participate?
Any paddle club in Canada! Whether you paddle dragon boat, outrigger, canoe, kayak, or SUP—everyone is welcome. Clubs can include members of all ages and skill levels.
Can we participate on a different date?
The official campaign runs May 1-31, 2025. Your club can choose any date(s) within that month to complete your challenge.
Do we have to paddle all 365 km in one day?
The signature challenge is to reach 365 km in a single day—but if your club would prefer to spread the distance over a weekend, a week or the whole month, that’s totally fine. The goal is participation, awareness, and impact.
How do we track our kilometers?
You can use GPS apps (like Strava or Garmin), erg logs, or boat logs. Just make sure to keep a total club distance tally and share your final number with us!
How do we fundraise?
We use a secure free fundraising platform where your club can register a team, and each paddler can create their own page. Share your link with friends, family, and your community to raise donations. All funds go directly to Autism Canada.
What happens if our club raises over $2,500?
Amazing! If your club raises $2,500 or more, Autism Canada will provide free Literacy Program training for up to 15 coaches or staff. You’ll also receive:
• An official certificate recognizing your club’s inclusive efforts
• A clubhouse decal
• A logo badge to display on your website
Can individuals participate too?
Absolutely! We also offer the 365/24/7 Challenge for solo paddlers who want to log kilometers and fundraise in their own way. Details are on the Individual Challenge page.
REGISTRATION & FUNDRAISING:
Is there a cost to register?
No, registration is free! While there's no entry fee, we do kindly ask that you register online and consider making a donation or collecting donations.
Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
No, but we encourage everyone to fundraise or donate! 100% of funds raised go directly to Autism Canada to support autistic individuals, their families, and caregivers.
How do I encourage others to donate?
Share your story and progress on social media, email friends and family, and let them know why this cause matters to you!
Can I match donations through my workplace giving program?
Many employers offer donation matching! Check with your HR department to see if your contribution can be doubled.
Are corporate donations or sponsorships accepted?
Yes! If your company is interested in donating or sponsorship, please contact us for details on partnership opportunities.
Can I dedicate my fundraising to a specific person?
Yes! Many participants paddle in honour of a loved one. You can share their story on your fundraising page.
How can I donate to myself?
Click on the “Donate” button on your page or self-donate during registration.
DONATIONS & IMPACT:
Where do the donations go?
100% of donations go directly to Autism Canada to support and advocate for autistic individuals, their families, and caregivers.
How were the funds used last year?
In 2024, Making Waves for Autism raised over $45,000, helping Autism Canada launch its Community Assistance Program (CAP) months ahead of schedule. This program provides vital support to families across Canada.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes! Autism Canada will issue a tax receipt for all donations.
How will I receive my tax receipt?
You’ll receive your tax receipt via email within 1–2 weeks. If you don’t see it, contact [email protected] for a duplicate copy.
VOLUNTEERING:
How can I volunteer for Making Waves for Autism?
There are many ways to get involved! You can help organize a local team challenge, assist with social media and content creation, connect with media outlets, or help secure sponsorships and corporate donations. Contact us to sign up!
What is involved in organizing a local team challenge?
You’ll coordinate a paddling, rowing, or dry-land challenge in your community. We’ll provide a playbook, fundraising tools, and support to help you bring Making Waves for Autism to your club, gym, or workplace.
How can I help with social media and content creation?
We’re looking for volunteers to create graphics, photos, and videos, as well as help manage social media posts and engagement. If you’re creative and want to help spread the word, let’s connect!
What does a media & PR volunteer do?
Media & PR volunteers help write press releases, reach out to local news outlets, and share the Making Waves for Autism story with their communities.
How can I help with sponsorships and fundraising?
If you have business connections or fundraising experience, you can help us secure sponsorships, donation matching, and corporate partnerships to maximize our impact.
How do I get started?
Simply contact us and let us know how you’d like to help!
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
How else can I support the event if I'm not paddling?
You can donate, spread awareness, volunteer, or support a participant by cheering them on and sharing their fundraising page.
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
We're happy to help! Send us your questions here.
Where is Making Waves for Autism taking place?
In 2025, the event runs from May 1-31 and takes place all across Canada.
Are there any incentives for individual fundraisers?
Yes! Anyone who raises $500 or more as an individual will receive an exclusive invitation to a live webinar with Olympic champion Katie Vincent. It's a rare chance to hear from one of Canada's top athletes and ask her questions directly.
How far do I have to paddle?
Making Waves for Autism is an inclusive, non-competitive, community-based fundraiser. Choose a challenge that suits your comfort and ability—have fun and start paddling!
Do I have to complete my challenge in one day?
No! You have the entire month of May to complete your challenge at your own pace.
Do I have to do the entire challenge on the water?
We know Canadian weather can be unpredictable! If conditions aren’t ideal, you can log your kilometers or hours on a paddle erg or rowing erg.
Can I participate if I don't have access to a waterway?
Yes! You can use a paddle erg or rowing erg, or support the cause by fundraising and spreading awareness.
I'm doing an individual challenge, but I often paddle in team boats. Can I count those kilometers and/or hours?
Yes! Whether you’re in a single or a team boat, your effort counts. While you’re at it, encourage your teammates to join in!
I'm a rower, not a paddler. Can I participate?
Absolutely! We welcome all self-propelled watercraft, including rowing and paddle ergs.
Can kids participate?
Yes! You can paddle as part of a team, set a collective goal, and fundraise together.
How do I track my paddling or rowing progress?
You can log your kilometers or hours manually on your fundraising page or use a GPS tracking app.
Is there an official hashtag for social media?
Yes! Use #MakingWavesForAutism to share your journey and inspire others!
TEAM CLUB CHALLENGE:
What is the Team Club Challenge?
The Team Club Challenge is part of Making Waves for Autism, where paddle clubs across Canada commit to paddling 365 kilometers to raise funds and awareness for Autism Canada.
Why 365 kilometers?
Because autism is 365. Families support their loved ones every single day—and this challenge represents that daily dedication. It’s also a powerful team-building experience for your club!
Who can participate?
Any paddle club in Canada! Whether you paddle dragon boat, outrigger, canoe, kayak, or SUP—everyone is welcome. Clubs can include members of all ages and skill levels.
Can we participate on a different date?
The official campaign runs May 1-31, 2025. Your club can choose any date(s) within that month to complete your challenge.
Do we have to paddle all 365 km in one day?
The signature challenge is to reach 365 km in a single day—but if your club would prefer to spread the distance over a weekend, a week or the whole month, that’s totally fine. The goal is participation, awareness, and impact.
How do we track our kilometers?
You can use GPS apps (like Strava or Garmin), erg logs, or boat logs. Just make sure to keep a total club distance tally and share your final number with us!
How do we fundraise?
We use a secure free fundraising platform where your club can register a team, and each paddler can create their own page. Share your link with friends, family, and your community to raise donations. All funds go directly to Autism Canada.
What happens if our club raises over $2,500?
Amazing! If your club raises $2,500 or more, Autism Canada will provide free Literacy Program training for up to 15 coaches or staff. You’ll also receive:
• An official certificate recognizing your club’s inclusive efforts
• A clubhouse decal
• A logo badge to display on your website
Can individuals participate too?
Absolutely! We also offer the 365/24/7 Challenge for solo paddlers who want to log kilometers and fundraise in their own way. Details are on the Individual Challenge page.
REGISTRATION & FUNDRAISING:
Is there a cost to register?
No, registration is free! While there's no entry fee, we do kindly ask that you register online and consider making a donation or collecting donations.
Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
No, but we encourage everyone to fundraise or donate! 100% of funds raised go directly to Autism Canada to support autistic individuals, their families, and caregivers.
How do I encourage others to donate?
Share your story and progress on social media, email friends and family, and let them know why this cause matters to you!
Can I match donations through my workplace giving program?
Many employers offer donation matching! Check with your HR department to see if your contribution can be doubled.
Are corporate donations or sponsorships accepted?
Yes! If your company is interested in donating or sponsorship, please contact us for details on partnership opportunities.
Can I dedicate my fundraising to a specific person?
Yes! Many participants paddle in honour of a loved one. You can share their story on your fundraising page.
How can I donate to myself?
Click on the “Donate” button on your page or self-donate during registration.
DONATIONS & IMPACT:
Where do the donations go?
100% of donations go directly to Autism Canada to support and advocate for autistic individuals, their families, and caregivers.
How were the funds used last year?
In 2024, Making Waves for Autism raised over $45,000, helping Autism Canada launch its Community Assistance Program (CAP) months ahead of schedule. This program provides vital support to families across Canada.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes! Autism Canada will issue a tax receipt for all donations.
How will I receive my tax receipt?
You’ll receive your tax receipt via email within 1–2 weeks. If you don’t see it, contact [email protected] for a duplicate copy.
VOLUNTEERING:
How can I volunteer for Making Waves for Autism?
There are many ways to get involved! You can help organize a local team challenge, assist with social media and content creation, connect with media outlets, or help secure sponsorships and corporate donations. Contact us to sign up!
What is involved in organizing a local team challenge?
You’ll coordinate a paddling, rowing, or dry-land challenge in your community. We’ll provide a playbook, fundraising tools, and support to help you bring Making Waves for Autism to your club, gym, or workplace.
How can I help with social media and content creation?
We’re looking for volunteers to create graphics, photos, and videos, as well as help manage social media posts and engagement. If you’re creative and want to help spread the word, let’s connect!
What does a media & PR volunteer do?
Media & PR volunteers help write press releases, reach out to local news outlets, and share the Making Waves for Autism story with their communities.
How can I help with sponsorships and fundraising?
If you have business connections or fundraising experience, you can help us secure sponsorships, donation matching, and corporate partnerships to maximize our impact.
How do I get started?
Simply contact us and let us know how you’d like to help!
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
How else can I support the event if I'm not paddling?
You can donate, spread awareness, volunteer, or support a participant by cheering them on and sharing their fundraising page.
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
We're happy to help! Send us your questions here.