ABOUT CAN FUND

Every dream and the ability to chase it needs a community of people who believe in it too! 

This year Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund) is celebrating our 20th Anniversary.  Since 2003 we have helped make thousands of dreams achievable for the best athletic talent in our country.  Most Canadians are surprised to learn that the majority of athletes who wear the red and white on the world stage are going into debt to continue to train and compete.  We are currently facing unprecedented demand with a record 998 athletes applying for financial support from over 60 summer, winter, able-bodied and Paralympic sports (athletes can apply twice a year).  The need has never been more paramount and CAN Fund is a large part of the solution that changes the game for most Canadian athletes giving them the opportunity to access the resources needed to reach their full potential.  Every successful CAN Fund Recipient receives $8000 (per application).  This money goes directly to the athletes and allows them to pay for new equipment, coaching, flights to training camps and competitions, better nutrition, extra physiotherapy and basic living expenses.

When you give to CAN Fund it's personal.  With every donation you find out the name of the athlete(s) you have directly impacted and receive a tax receipt.

THE CAN FUND STORY

Founder Jane Roos created CAN Fund in her hospital room after her second back operation that resulted from a fatal car accident. While driving back to Ottawa after dropping her friends’ parents off at the airport in Montreal her friend fell asleep at the wheel and they went off a cliff.  Jane survived but tragically her friend did not.  This life changing experience made Jane realize just how lucky we all are to have each day and to not take anything for granted.  Her life’s work is to help people succeed by giving them the ability to live their dream.  As a promising heptathlete at the time of her accident, Jane knew it was Canadian athletes who were deserving of the gift of opportunity.

What started with a vision to help a few athletes, has now over the past two decades helped thousands on their journey to wear the maple leaf. The CAN Fund legacy runs deep, supporting over 80% of the athletes who have represented Canada at every Games since Athens 2004. It is quite remarkable that behind the majority of athletes in Canada spanning 10 Olympic and 10 Paralympic Games you will find CAN Fund.