This year's fundraising total was achieved by a group of anglers from business and community leaders across Canada. Special guests this year included Vancouver Canucks players Jacob Markstrom, Sven Baertschi and Erik Gudbranson, Head Coach Travis Green, Assistant Coaches Nolan Baumgartner and Manny Malhotra, Senior Advisor to GM & Director of Collegiate Scouting Stan Smyl and alumnus Dave Babych.
Funds raised will benefit the Canucks Autism Network, which was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini in 2008. The charity supports over 3200 families living with autism in British Columbia and welcomes hundreds of new families every year. The prevalence of autism has increased dramatically in recent years, to one in 68 children. There are currently over 11,000 children and youth living with autism in British Columbia alone.
"We are extremely proud to continue our tradition of hosting our annual Fishing for Kids Tournament for the 12th consecutive year. We are thrilled that it has made such a meaningful impact on the lives of B.C. children and their families living with autism," says Brian Grange, Director of The West Coast Fishing Club. "Thank you to all of our sponsors for their generous support this year including the Vancouver Canucks, Wheaton Precious Metals, Delta Group, Helijet, Macquarie, Helly Hansen and Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas."
This year's Wheaton Precious Metals Champion Child was 12-year old Dylan Andre. The youngest of three boys in a sports-loving family, Dylan's minimal speech capabilities made it difficult to communicate his emotions or frustrations and hindered his participation in athletic activities. In 2010, Dylan joined CAN's soccer program and began to experience the joy and camaraderie of playing a team sport. Today, Dylan is able to participate in gym class thanks to the confidence and skills he has developed through CAN programs.
