From one paddler, to national movement: Kelowna woman champions autism support!

Last year, Kim Inglis paddled 365 kilometers for a purpose: to raise funds and awareness for autism.

And her event, Making Waves for Autism, has grown beyond the realm of the Okanagan.

"When I was done [in 2024], I thought if one person can make this kind of impact, imagine if I opened it up and I had many other people involved and participating," Inglis told Sarah Nick from 104.7 The LIZARD. " I decided to create individual challenges and team challenges so that clubs can do clubs, paddle centers, and individual paddlers from across the country could participate. And it's really gained some steam. So I've got people now coast-to-coast participating.”

So, for this year there are many people joining the movement. Canoe and paddle clubs — from Kelowna Paddle Centre (BC) to Mississauga, Ottawa, and Nova Scotia — are taking on the 365 km challenge throughout the month of May.

This year’s efforts will help fund Autism Canada’s Literacy Program, which trains coaches and camp leaders to better support neurodivergent youth in sport — building safer, more inclusive spaces across Canada.

Inglis added the entire effort is more than a fundraiser. It’s about autism awareness, acceptance, and real, tangible support for families across the country.

"The more people participating means the more eyeballs, and the more awareness there is on autism," she said. "One in 50 Canadians are diagnosed on the spectrum, it touches all of us.”

The initiative was started in honour of her cousin Tyler, who died unexpectedly, and had dreamed of raising funds for Autism Canada with a large-scale boxing event. Making Waves for Autism lives up to the spirit of what he wanted to do. Because of the success of the event last year, Autism Canada was able to launch their community assistance program much earlier than expected which has helped a lot of families get diagnosis for their kids.

"I think Tyler would be stoked. It's had such an immediate, tangible impact right away," Inglis said. "He would have been just so excited about just the fact that right out of the gate that it's made such a big difference.

On May 25, the Kelowna Paddle Centre will host a team challenge open to all, with rotating team boats on the water from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., aiming to collectively paddle 365 kilometers.

Donations can be made here.