This year's HM Commercial Ride for Autism featured 88 dedicated supporters who came together to raise $151,200.
The HM Commercial Group is a boutique commercial real estate team that specializes in investment properties, leasing and land for development.
For the past seven years, they’ve created and participated in the HM Ride for Autism.
“My son has autism, that is why we originally started it and my brother Dave McAnerney originally came up with the idea to do a ride," said Marshall McAnerney, a partner and cofounder of HM Commercial.
This year was the first time the event was held since 2019 due to the pandemic.
Presented by Nicola Wealth, the ride featured a number of COVID-19 safety protocols, including outdoor activities, maximum capacities and different start times.
“Our beneficiary this year, and has been for a few years, is Canucks Autism Network,” said McAnerney.
Held at Kitsch Wines on Saturday, Sept. 18, riders visited around eight local wineries in support of Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
With 1 in 37 kids and youth diagnosed with autism in BC, the ride is a critical fundraiser ensuring the continued impact of CAN programs in Kelowna.
The CAN offers year-round sports and recreational programs for kids, life and social skills programs for youth and adults and community experiences for the whole family.
The final total was accomplished in large part to a $75,000 contribution from the Stober Foundation, who committed to matching all funds raised.
“This is our highest fundraising year, today. And a huge part of that is thanks to the Stober foundation because they’re matching our funds raised,” McAnerney told KelownaNow.
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