VANCOUVER, Aug. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - The West Coast Fishing Club today announced an incredible $820,000 was raised for the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) at the 11th annual Fishing for Kids Tournament.
This year's remarkable milestone was achieved by a group of just 42 anglers, from business and community leaders across Canada. Special guests included Vancouver Canucks players, Derek Dorsett and Sven Baertschi, Vancouver Canucks Coach, Willie Desjardins, Vancouver Canucks General Manager, Jim Benning, Vancouver Canucks Alumnus, Kirk McLean, and CAN Founder, Paolo Aquilini.
Tournament winner, Glenn Fereday, of Thompson Bros Construction, caught a 41.6 pound Chinook during the three day event and donated the whole of his $200,000 winnings back to CAN.
Funds raised will benefit the Canucks Autism Network, which was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini in 2008. The charity provides community-level support to over 2,000 families living with autism in British Columbia.
"Clara and I are so grateful that this first-class tournament continues to fuel CAN in its mission to provide high-quality programming for the growing number of families living with autism in B.C.," says Paolo Aquilini. "With 1 in 68 children now being diagnosed, the need for support is more important than ever."
The Fishing for Kids Tournament, presented by Macquarie, was held at the West Coast Fishing Club in Haida Gwaii from Sunday, August 28th to Wednesday, August 31st, 2016. The tournament's major sponsors included: Macquarie, The Vancouver Canucks, Helijet, and Silver Wheaton. For more information, please call 1-888-432-6666 or visit fishingforkidstournament.com.
About Canucks Autism Network
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization that provides year-round, high-quality sports, recreational, social and arts programs for individuals and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia. Over 11,000 individuals are living with autism in British Columbia.
SOURCE Canucks Autism Network
Image with caption: "The 11th Annual Fishing for Kids Tournament, presented by Macquarie, raised a remarkable $820,000 for the Canucks Autism Network (CNW Group/Canucks Autism Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160831_C4407_PHOTO_EN_763854.jpg
For further information: Lindsay Petrie, [email protected], (604) 788-8565
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