Last year, Kelowna’s Kim Inglis dipped her paddle into the water with a deeply personal mission—to honour her late cousin Tyler by raising awareness and support for autism through a solo paddle challenge.
What started as one woman’s tribute has grown into a national movement, one that’s already raised $78,000 in support of Autism Canada.
The initiative, Making Waves for Autism, launched its second year on May 1 and has already raised nearly $32,000. Inglis raised $46,000 in 2024.
“Every time I open my email, it seems like there’s a new donation,” she said. “It’s amazing. That’s $78,000 in just over a year going directly to Autism Canada.”
Tyler, who passed away in August 2023, left behind a wife and a young son on the autism spectrum. Inspired by his memory, Inglis rowed and paddled 365 kilometres in the first year of Making Waves For Autism.
“I thought to myself, if one person can have this kind of impact, imagine what a whole community could do,” she said.
This year, Inglis is not paddling alone. The Making Waves for Autism campaign has expanded nationwide, engaging individuals, teams, and clubs across Canada in customized challenges from stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to rowing machines and dry-land events.
Participants can pick individual challenges, team challenges, or a “Choose Your Own Adventure” option, giving people the flexibility to get involved in a way that works for them.
“It’s about accessibility and inclusion, which is at the heart of everything we’re doing,” said Inglis.
Canoe and kayak clubs from coast to coast have signed on, including the Kelowna Paddle Centre, which will host a large team event on May 25, with OC6 team boats — six-person outrigger canoes — going out every hour throughout the day to collectively paddle 365 kilometres.
Dry-land events are also part of the movement. Inglis’ employer, Raymond James, is hosting a community event at Red Bird Brewing on May 9, featuring five rowing machines running all day.
“Anyone can walk in off the street and contribute kilometres. It’s going to be a fun, community-oriented day with music and prizes,” she said.
Inglis has also partnered with Canoe Kayak Canada, the national governing body for the sport, to help promote the initiative.
“They’ve been amazing in spreading the word,” she said. “And many clubs involved already promote inclusivity, so this just fits perfectly.”
One of the more meaningful aspects of this year’s campaign for Inglis is the education component. Clubs that raise more than $2,500 will receive specialized training from Autism Canada, allowing coaches to better support autistic children in their programs.
“Making paddling more inclusive for everyone is a big goal of mine this year,” she added.
The campaign has also drawn support from Olympic gold medalist Katie Vincent. A fellow paddler from Inglis’ early days in sprint canoeing, Vincent is participating in an individual challenge and offering an exclusive webinar for participants who raise over $500.
“Katie has always championed inclusivity in sport,” Inglis noted. “She jumped at the chance to be involved.”
Personal stories have furthered the campaign’s expansion. One that especially touched Inglis came from a young autistic paddler in Nova Scotia.
“She thought Making Waves was an amazing idea and would love to see it in Nova Scotia,” Inglis added. “Now, her club is participating in a team challenge.”
The impact of Making Waves for Autism has extended beyond the water. Funds raised last year helped Autism Canada launch its Community Assistance Program far sooner than expected. Inglis said the program addresses one of the most urgent gaps in autism care—the often years-long wait for diagnosis.
“In Canada, it can take up to four years to get an autism diagnosis,” she pointed out. “That’s an eternity for a child. Private assessments are faster, but they can cost up to $4,000--money many families simply don’t have. This program helps bridge that financial gap.”
The ability to make a difference has only deepened Inglis’ commitment.
“It means the absolute world to me,” she said. “It blows my mind how successful this has already been. Tyler’s legacy is living on in such a meaningful way, and I think that’s why people are responding. Autism touches everyone in some way.”
With the campaign running all through May, there’s still plenty of time for people to get involved.
“It’s not too late to sign up,” Inglis added. “There are so many ways to participate, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or someone who wants to help by jumping on a rowing machine. It’s truly open to everyone.”
For more information, to sign up, or to donate, visit the Making Waves for Autism website.
