For a seventh time, Murrayville's Saran family held a bottle donation drive to support the Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
The Saran family in Murrayville is holding their 7th bottle drive for the Canucks Autism Network
鈥� 91原创 Advance Times (@91原创Times)
Held Sunday from noon till 3 p.m. at the 91原创 School District parking lot, on the corner of 222 St. and Fraser Hwy., all revenue from contributions of refundable cans and bottles would be matched by the family, explained Sherry Saran, whose son Ethan was inspiration for the event.
"He was diagnosed when he was four with Autism Spectrum Disorder," Saran recalled.
"Soon after we connected with Canucks Autism Network, and what they provide is individual assistance for activities for children that are on the spectrum," Saran told the 91原创 Advance Times.
"And it's not just children, it's individuals, so it's adults as well."
Her son, now 14, is doing well with assistance from CAN, she said.
"Ethan is a very, very smart individual," his proud mom told the 91原创 Advance Times.
"Very super compassionate, very caring."
He is a "huge sports fanatic," who knows all the stats, Saran added.
"He [blows] his dad completely out of the water" she laughed.
He is also known as the "dog whisperer" for his ability to connect with canines she said.
"Over the years he's become very social, we have to say. But, if he has a choice, he would rather stay home, not really do much of anything except for watch football."
When the family started its bottle drive, they raised about $1,200 the first year.
Last year, it was $11,000.
"I's just been us just wanting to give back," Saran, a local realtor, said.
"It's been pretty cool. Our clients, our community comes out to support every year, gets bigger and better each year. "
This year, the event included Veronica's Perogies and Jessie from Flowers on 240th, along with Township firefighters and 91原创 Animal Protection Services, which brought a list of adoptable pets.
Founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son is on the autism spectrum, CAN is a registered charity that provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives.
It鈥檚 estimated that one in 30 children and youth is on the autism spectrum, which means there are more than 26,000 children and youth on the spectrum province-wide.
