Contributed by: Monique Nelson, Director of Community Engagement 

A parent’s gift to his Au-some son benefits the greater community. 

Father’s Day 2018 is fast approaching, and we’d like to give a big shout out to Guy Picard, an amazing dad who is spearheading the second annual Rock for Autism festival at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody on Sunday, June the 17th. This showcase features the amazing talent of “Au-Stars” like Guy’s son Luc, friends Haden and Marshall, and other talented local musicians. All of the funds raised through Rock for Autism will be donated to Autism BC, and are geared towards increasing awareness and providing training opportunities for organizations looking to hire individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities.

The idea for a music festival began a couple of years ago, when Luc, a young adult with autism, wowed crowds at the Paddlewheeler’s Open Mic nights.  It didn’t take long for Guy, his wife Lynne, Tammy Jonas, and the Paddlewheeler Pub to collaborate and host the first Rock for Autism event in 2017. The inaugural event raised over $2,000 for Autism BC and is now approaching its second year. With resources generously donated by Steve Lindsay from Lindsay Music Studio, Erron Sweeney and many more professional musicians, Guy expects to donate a larger sum to Autism BC in 2018.

Man playing guitar on stage

Guy says, “The music and the pub communities sparked this event and continue to fuel it! The great partners we have in Autism BC and Lindsay Music enable us to help make a difference for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder get and keep a job.”

To feel out this year’s performing artists, visit the festival site www.rockforautism.ca and click on the YouTube icon on the bottom left corner of the page. See participating artists including the Retrosonics, Storm Surge, Patsy Thompson Band and OC/DC, each of whom will be complimented by Au-Stars. You’ll be dancing in front of the stage with me, as we listen to covers of classic hits by David Wilcox, John Fogarty, the Dire Straits, and more!

Not only is the event is FREE but there’s plenty to do in the park! Aside from the Au-some rock, you can check out the park’s outdoor pool, hiking and biking trails, waterpark and playground, skateboard park, and the famous Rocky Point ice cream shop! Be sure to stop by the posAbilities booth and Kudoz table, where you can meet, chat, and sing along to your favourite songs with my family and colleagues.

We hope you’ll come celebrate Father’s Day with us this year. There’s truly nothing better than live music taken in from the comfort of Rocky Point’s lush green lawns and beer garden! Be sure to recognize an amazing dad this year by commenting on our post and using the hashtags: #DadsRock and #posAbilities.

Cheers to all the wonderful dad’s out there – this is your day!