A 91原创 mother is overwhelmed with gratitude for friends and strangers alike who helped raise more than $8,000 in honour of her 11-year-old autistic son.

Turns out an annual bottle drive held by the Saran family last month in Murrayville ultimately spiralled into a $8,146.40 donation delivered to the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) this past week.

RELATED: VIDEO: Fundraiser by mom to help many with autism

The total funds raised include $4,117.14, which Ethan鈥檚 parent, Sherry and Shawn, donated out of their pockets to match the funds raised on event day.

鈥淲e are super proud of the amount we raised,鈥� said Sherry.

Humbled and 鈥渧ery鈥� greateful of the community for its help, she thanked those who attended the bottle drive.

鈥淲e could not have raised these funds without their support,鈥� Sherry added. 鈥淭hank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support has a positive impact on those affected by autism and their families.鈥�

Having recently hand-delivered this year鈥檚 donation to CAN, the Saran family has already turned its attentions ahead. They鈥檙e already making plans to grow next year鈥檚 drive.

READ MORE: Murayville family collecting bottles to support youth with autism

鈥淲e know by teaming up with local businesses next year, we can achieve a lot greater,鈥� said mom.

CAN is a non-profit organization that helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and engages them through activities like skating, hockey, volley, soccer, swimming, and other sports.

Ethan鈥檚 16-year-old sister, Emma is taking the family鈥檚 wish to support CAN to a new level, leading a volunteer initiative and raising money for the non profit.

鈥淲e are happy to see our kids following our footsteps,鈥� said Shawn, a proud father.

鈥淭here is a lot of kindness and goodness in our 91原创 community and in the world,鈥� Sherry said. 鈥淲e are truly grateful to have experienced this level of humanity. Let鈥檚 be open to receiving and everything always comes together.鈥�

While it鈥檚 still early, those wanting to be part of the Saran family鈥檚 bottle drive next year can contact Sherry at 778-322-7696.

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