We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Canada CARES grant program for 2024: the Canucks Autism Network Society, Children’s Community Network, and ErinoakKids Centre. These outstanding organizations have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting caregivers of individuals with autism and will now bring the transformative CARES program to their communities.

About Canada CARES

CARES Across Canada is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower organizations in supporting autism caregivers. Developed by Dr. Kira Vimalakanthan and Dr. Shiv Sivapalan through their work at the SAAAC Autism Centre, a Scarborough-based autism charity, CARES provides an eight-week, evidence-based support program. This program offers a nurturing environment where caregivers can acquire new skills, exchange experiences, and cultivate resilience, all while emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Award-Winning Excellence

CARES has been lauded with the College of Family Physicians of Canada™ (CFPC) and the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) Collaborative Mental Health Care Award for its excellence in enhancing mental health outcomes through collaborative healthcare efforts. Operating across Ontario with partners like SAAAC Autism Centre and Autism Ontario, CARES serves over 200 families annually, offers multilingual access, and has made notable research contributions. A publication in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders highlights CARES’ significant impact on community mental health.

Meet the Winners

The Canucks Autism Network Society, Children’s Community Network, and ErinoakKids Centre were selected based on their proven experience, implementation capacity, community impact, and innovative approach to supporting autism caregivers. Each organization will receive a $20,000 grant, intensive training from CARES Founders, and extensive support throughout program delivery.

Looking Forward

These organizations will now help expand CARES’ reach, ensuring that more families across Canada receive the support they need. By fostering resilience, promoting self-care, and facilitating skill-sharing, CARES aims to create a stronger, more supportive community for autism caregivers.

For more information on how your organization can benefit from the CARES program, visit our website and apply today. Let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of autism caregivers, one community at a time.

Thank You to Sonor Foundation

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sonor Foundation for their generous support in helping expand the CARES program. Established in 1979, The Sonor Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that invests in smart and creative leaders, good ideas, and transformative impact. They find, select, and support high-impact organizations working on pressing issues facing our communities. Their support is instrumental in enabling us to reach more families and caregivers across Canada.