Image: Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism and Pacific Autism Family Network / Elements Casino on Young Road recently presented a $2,000 cheque to Pacific Autism Family Network Foundation, supporting the PAFN Spoke located in Chilliwack. Pictured are Elements Casino director of operations Rhonda Dyck (left), Steve Saccomano, founder and volunteer of the annual fundraiser, Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism, presented by RBC, and Hannah Vannery, Fraser Valley Spoke manager at the Pacific Autism Family Network, which has a facility in Chilliwack serving clients with autism.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Elements Casino supports Chilliwack

Elements Casino in Chilliwack donates $2,000 to autism organization serving Chilliwack

Oct 31, 2023 | 11:47 AM

CHILLIWACK — When you recreate at Elements Casino in Chilliwack for a combination of casino games, live music and dining options, gaming proceeds flow right back into the broader Chilliwack community.

Elements Casino on Young Road recently presented a $2,000 cheque to Pacific Autism Family Network Foundation, supporting the PAFN Spoke located in Chilliwack.

Upon presenting the cheque to Hannah Vannery, Fraser Valley Spoke manager, and Steve Saccomano, founder and volunteer of the annual fundraiser, Saccomaniacs Agriculture for Autism, presented by RBC, Elements Casino director of operations Rhonda Dyck said: “Elements Chilliwack is so proud of the great organizations in our community. We are glad our support touches so many families living on the autism spectrum.”

Chilliwack resident Steve Saccomano, who has a personal connection to someone living with autism, said, “We are thrilled with the continued community support from Elements Casino. This allows the PAFN to provide services to families with loved ones on the Autism Spectrum. The Chilliwack spoke serves the Fraser Valley, and PAFN supports families province wide.“

Hannah Vannery also expressed her gratitude to Dyck and Elements Casino: “PAFN Fraser Valley is incredibly grateful to receive this generous gift from Elements Casino. This money will be used for supplies and programs which directly benefit autistic families in the Fraser Valley. PAFN Fraser Valley is one of the three provincial spokes of the main Hub in Richmond. We provide navigation to parents who need help with the autism diagnosis and funding, as well as offer free programs for individuals on the spectrum of all ages.”

Chilliwack School District

SD33 tackling school enrollment and capacity at upcoming board meeting

5h ago

Arson suspect arrested

34-year-old school arson suspect arrested: Abbotsford PD

7h ago

Coliseum Operations

City of Chilliwack takes over operations for Coliseum starting May

8h ago

In the past 14 months the Fraser Valley Spoke alone has helped over 140 families, while the Hub has helped thousands across BC.

Some of the programs that PAFN Fraser Valley offers include:

-TOTS Play Group

-Youngins’ Social Group

-Teen Match-Up Program

-Adults Empowered Neurodiverse Social Club

-Parents & Coffee Group

-EmploymentWorks

The main Hub in Richmond has a variety of programs as well.

-EmploymentWorks

-Little Pilots Inclusive preschool

-AIDE Canada (virtual/physical autism library)

-JET (Job, Employment, and Training)

-Aims Clinic

-Paper Planes Cafe (new inclusive cafe in YVR)

The PAFN’s core purpose is to be a knowledge centre, bringing together state-of-the-art resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support; and building capacity to address the lifespan needs of individuals with ASD and related disorders. The PAFN endeavours to build upon existing lifespan services while at the same time addressing the need for support and services across the province. Its website is www.pacificautismfamily.com.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Join Our Daily Email

Elements Casino in Chilliwack donates $2,000 to autism organization serving Chilliwack

More Local News