Red Truck Beer Supports the Autism Community In April During Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a month dedicated raising awareness and acceptance of autism. Red Truck Beer Company has teamed up with AutismBC along with other businesses throughout the province to support the autism community. Throughout the month of April customers in the Truck Stop Diner or purchasing Red Truck Beer online or in their off-sales store can “Add-On the Bill for Autism” with donations going to AutismBC. All donations collected will go towards programs connecting the autism community throughout the province while the physical distancing measures of COVID-19 continue.

Red Truck has teamed up with AutismBC before for fundraising events, but this year was challenging.

“It’s been a very tough year for all of us, non-profits and businesses alike,” says AutismBC Executive Director Julia Boyle, “Our business partners want to continue their support to the autism community, but the pandemic has made it challenging. This “Add-On-the-Bill for Autism” campaign helps all of us. By shopping you can support both local businesses by purchasing their products and services, and the Autism community by adding a donation to your bill. Your business will make a big difference and help everybody win.”

In British Columbia, there are approximately 60,000 people on the autism spectrum. One in 40 children between the ages of 6-18 is diagnosed with autism, a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years.

“Families are feeling more overwhelmed than ever”, says Lindy Chau, Information Officer for AutismBC, “Many autism families were feeling isolated before COVID-19 — now that feeling is stronger than ever. Families are waiting approximately 78 weeks for a publicly funded autism assessment in BC. Because of COVID, the wait is at a historical high and continuing to grow.”

AutismBC provides an information and support line that parents can contact to get answers and online programs to ensure the autism community remains connected throughout the pandemic. AutismBC has been serving the autism community since 1975 with staff and volunteers who have lived experience in autism. Each year, AutismBC provides support to over 6,000 individuals across the province.

AutismBC will celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with stories from autistic youth and adults. “During Autism Acceptance Month, we are listening to autistic voices to learn about what autism acceptance is,” says Boyle, “The spectrum is diverse. We want to be part of unlearning autism stereotypes by understanding lived experiences.”

To show support visit Red Truck Beer Company at 295 East 1st Avenue or order online at redtruckbeer.com. Other “Add-On-the-Bill for Autism” participating businesses in Vancouver include Odin Books, 1010 Tires, Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee and more. For the complete list of participating businesses, or to make a donation to AutismBC visit www.autismbc.ca

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  Filed under: Announcements (Press Releases), Events & Festivals, Politics & Advocacy
  Tagged under: April, Autism, Autism Acceptance Month, AutismBC, local businesses, Non-profits, Red Truck Beer, Truck Stop Diner