Northern families with autistic children are taking a much-needed break this weekend.
Twenty families from Prince George, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John, Terrace and surrounding communities identified by social workers as the most in need of respite care were flown to Vancouver where they'll spend a few days cooling their heels and making new connections as part of a Canucks Autism Network program.
Children with autism and their siblings will be taken to an overnight camp in Port Moody staffed with trained support workers and volunteers while parents remain in Vancouver where they will receive a complimentary hotel stay, discounts to local restaurants and attractions and opportunities to meet other parents and build support systems.
"In the past I have felt isolated due to a lack of resources in my region," said Prince Rupert mother Christine Danroth, in a press release. "Because of the lack of support, parents can get burnt out with exhaustion and their kids can suffer from it. This camp will allow parents from the north to have some respite and for the kids to go to camp and just be who they are."
The Canucks Autism Network is a non-profit organization that offers programs for families living with autism. The camp has been made possible through the West Coast Fishing Club's Fishing for Kids tournament, charter flights donated by Pacific Coastal Airlines and hotel accommodations from Pacific Gateway Hotel.
