Paddlers pitch in to help Kelowna woman raise over $63,000 for autism programs 

Paddlers raise $63,000

Photo: Kim Inglis

Kim Inglis (back left) and fellow participants at the Kelowna Paddle Centre.

A Kelowna woman’s paddling persistence has made a splash across the country.

Kim Inglis is celebrating a successful conclusion to her second annual Making Waves for Autism fundraiser.

Last year, she raised over $46,000. This year, with the help of an Olympian and a bevvy of other paddlers, more than $63,000 has been donated to Autism Canada.

Inglis, and people from all over Canada took on a variety of challenges, including paddling 365 km in a single day as a team or completing individual goals like paddling for 24 hours or seven days in a row.

“Making Waves is about more than just fundraising,” said Inglis. “It’s about raising awareness and building acceptance. Every paddle stroke this year represented someone standing up for a more inclusive future—and that’s powerful.”

She launched Making Waves in memory of her cousin Tyler, who died suddenly, leaving behind a young child with autism. Her efforts got a boost this year when 2024 Olympic canoe-kayak champion Katie Vincent joined the campaign.

Over the two years, the campaign raised $109,674.50 for Autism Canada. Inglis said it has allowed Autism Canada to launch its Community Assistance Program (CAP) earlier this year. The new initiative is designed to help autistic individuals and their families access support services sooner -- services such as psychological assessments, respite care for families and therapies and interventions not covered by provincial healthcare.

In Canada, the average wait time for a public autism diagnosis can be more than four years.

"Funds raised in 2025 will be used to continue and expand CAP, ensuring more families across Canada receive the timely support they need," said Inglis.