Annual LAUNCH
Holiday Luncheon

Coming again in 2025!

Thank you for creating a record-breaking year raising $1.45M!
‍Because of the generous spirit of our incredible donors, caring sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and passionate advocates, this incredible milestone was possible, joining our drive for meaningful inclusion!

Creating Meaningful Memories in 2024

More than $1.45 million was raised in support of Pacific Autism Family Network’s (PAFN) sold-out 6th Annual LAUNCH Holiday Luncheon! PAFN opened the event with welcoming remarks from The Honourable Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Janet Austin, The Honourable Premier Eby, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim as well as a Video from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This record-breaking amount was the most raised in the history of the event. All proceeds benefit programs that help neurodivergent British Columbians, as well as their families. Funds raised this year will support a wide range of services delivered through PAFN locations in Richmond, the Fraser Valley and Prince George.

"Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, sponsors, and the 800 guests who attended LAUNCH, PAFN is able to continue delivering the services and support that is vital to the well-being of thousands of neurodivergent people and their families. The funds will enable PAFN to continue offering personalized support, educational services, therapeutic interventions, and family assistance across the province. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in supporting meaningful inclusion," said PAFN Co-Founder and Board Chair Sergio Cocchia.

PAFN also announced the recipients of its 2024 Gamechanger Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that further meaningful inclusion for neurodivergent people: Carole Taylor OC, OBC, Dr. Glen Davies, R. Psych., PhD, and Dr. Suzanne Lewis, H.BSc., MD, FCCMG, FRCPC

"The recipients of this year’s GAMECHANGER Awards have made truly remarkable and diverse contributions to advancing meaningful inclusion," said Cocchia. "Each year, we are privileged to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who are committed to building a genuinely inclusive, informed, and welcoming community." LAUNCH, presented by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) & Concord Pacific, featured abeautiful performance from Dayton Cahill, Global BC’s Sophie Lui hosted the event and ‘Man About Town’ and auctioneer extraordinaire Fred Lee led the live auction.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 7th Annual LAUNCH Holiday Luncheon in 2025! Stay tuned for more details.

sponsorship Opportunities

By sponsoring this event, you have an opportunity to significantly impact the lives of individuals and families living with autism and neurodiversity across British Columbia. Your support benefits these communities and highlights your business's commitment to positive community engagement and inclusivity. Join us in making a meaningful difference and demonstrating your company's dedication to social responsibility.

About Pacific Autism Family Network

Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) is a centre of excellence that improves the lives of those in the autism and neurodiverse community by providing resources and a network of support for individuals and families. PAFN’s core purpose is to bring together state of the art resources to build capacity, address and support the lifespan needs of individuals with autism and neurodiversity while fostering meaningful inclusion for all.