Lee’s Donuts brings its iconic treats to Paper Planes Café, supporting neurodivergent employment training

Pacific Autism Family Network is thrilled to announce that Vancouver’s iconic Lee’s Donuts will partner with Paper Planes Café at Vancouver International Airport. This collaboration will enhance the dining experience for airport guests while providing valuable training opportunities for the neurodivergent community seeking work experiences on their journey towards independence.

Starting June 5, a selection of Lee’s Donuts will be available for purchase at Paper Planes Café located on Level 2 at Domestic Arrivals.

“Paper Planes is truly a place where the career aspirations for our community can take flight,” said Loring Phinney, Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Autism Family Network. “When YVR and Lee’s Donuts approached us to explore the opportunity of a collaboration in support of our employment training programs, it felt like the sugar on top of a program that is already making a significant impact for our community.” 

The mission of Paper Planes Café is to empower its staff by providing them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce. Launched in 2021, the impactful partnership between YVR and PAFN also reflects a shared vision to make travel more inclusive.

YVR and PAFN offer up to six-months of training covering essential skills and expertise typical of the restaurant and service industry. Following the training, staff are supported in their job search in the community.

“This is such great news for our trainees and the autism community,” said Jessica Guzman, Program Facilitator of Employment Works at Pacific Autism Family Network. “I believe our trainees make some of the most beautiful coffees in the airport, and now our guests can have an awesome Lee’s donut to go with it!”

"At Lee’s Donuts, we’re thrilled to bring our donuts to the Paper Planes Café while also playing a role in providing valuable training opportunities for PAFN’s trainees,” said Celine Bacani, Co-Owner of Lee’s Donuts. “The chance to share our treats while empowering individuals on their path to employment is a truly sweet spot for us."

Since 1979, Lee’s Donuts has been a beloved fixture on Granville Island, known for its classic, hand-crafted donuts and commitment to community connection. This partnership with PAFN aligns perfectly with Lee’s mission to spread joy, one donut at a time, while making a meaningful impact in the community.

Pacific Autism Family Network also announced recently that, alongside Lee’s Donuts, Bridge Brewing and The Juice Truck have joined the roster of community-minded organizations supporting Paper Planes Café — all working together to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all airport guests.