Dreaming big lands youth face time with Barenaked Ladies
‘Be Strong & Rock On,’ Andrew Banar encourages Wednesday January 25, 2012 -- Natalie Hamilton
Andrew Banar was in for an unexpected thrill when the Barenaked Ladies’ frontman pulled on one of the T-shirts the youth designed and hopped on stage.
The Kingsville resident’s funky clothing line of rock-inspired characters has made its way around cyberspace and onto the back of Ed Robertson.
It’s just one great thing that has happened to Banar since he dared to dream.
The “very cool” moment for the 20-year-old was pretty special for Banar’s mom, Karen Pickle, too.
“It gave me goose bumps,” Pickle tells Community Living Leaders.
“Andrew's smile was so big and he was so excited that I could not help but cry. As a parent, you want your son or daughter to always experience life in wonderful ways and this made me realize that Andrew's shirt design was so universal and anyone could wear it. It does not matter where you are in your life's journey -- you ‘Be Strong & Rock On.’”
Banar and Pickle met the Barenaked Ladies during a concert at St. Clair College in October 2010.
Banar’s journey towards his new business, Group Hug Apparel, began when he decided he wanted to raise some extra money to go to college. Pickle suggested her son consider transferring his sketches and ‘Be Strong & Rock On’ motto onto T-shirts for friends and family to purchase.
Over the past two years, he has raised enough money to support his educational goals and donate a portion of proceeds to charity. Banar, who has Down syndrome, chooses to give back to hospitals and other non-profit organizations that have supported him throughout his life.
Through Group Hug Apparel, he’s had several opportunities to connect with various stakeholders courtesy of invitations to functions to sell his clothing.
“My business is perfect for me because I love meeting people who are fans of my shirts,” Banar tells Community Living Leaders. “I like donating some of my money to sick kids and making them happy.”
While his business has taken off, Banar still has his sights set on college. He’s planning to take the community living program at St. Clair College after finishing high school this year.
As for Group Hug Apparel, Pickle will continue to help Banar manage the business as it’s proving to be important work. “Andrew has been able to make a difference not only in his life but in the lives of others,” Pickle says.
“When I see someone wearing one of his designs, how can I not smile and know that he is doing something good not only for himself but for others.”
Banar will be at the Tecumseh Mall Jan. 28-29 selling his clothing line and donating some of the proceeds to Community Living Essex County.
Read more about Banar and Pickle by clicking here.
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