Dave McAnerney's Legacy
Photo: Linda Stober, Ken Stober, Keith Brewseter, Dave McAnerney & Anne McAnerney at the 2022 ride
Inspired by his nephew MJ, Dave McAnerney started Rider Cider for Autism in 2015. The event was founded in an effort to bring more programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum to Kelowna.
The inaugural event soon grew into what was known as the HM Commercial Ride for Autism, an annual community-building ride that showcased local wineries and cideries, while supporting Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
CAN became Dave’s charity of choice due to the positive impact the organization had on MJ’s life. Dave wanted to ensure that any Kelowna family with a child on the spectrum could benefit from the same life-changing support.
From 2023 onwards, the event will be renamed the Dave McAnerney Ride for Autism in honour of Dave’s passion for cycling and unwavering commitment to the autism community.
Dave’s legacy will live on through this ride and the direct impact it will have on children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum in Kelowna.
Since launching in Kelowna just seven years ago, hundreds of local families have benefited from CAN’s growing portfolio of sports and rec programs, summer day camps, youth and adult opportunities, and year-round family experiences. None of this growth would have been possible without Dave’s unparalleled efforts to create positive change in his community.
Your participation and support of the Dave McAnerney Ride for Autism will ensure his dream for a better future for people on the autism spectrum will forever live on.