Community Living Ontario

Andrew Banar paving the way towards fulfilling a dream
Friday January 20, 2012 -- Natalie Hamilton

While listening to his cousin talk about living in residence, pub nights and increased independence, Andrew Banar’s eyes widened with excitement.

He wanted to go to college too. 

The 20-year-old’s drive to pursue a post-secondary education has taken Banar and his mother on a journey they couldn’t have imagined.

The Kingsville resident figured he would have to raise money to support his goal — a goal that hadn’t yet entered the mind of his mother, Karen Pickle. Banar, who has Down syndrome, was only in Grade 11 at the time.

“Andrew comes to me weekly with new ideas — with something he wants to do, some place he wants to go,” Pickle tells Community Living Leaders.

“He amazes me. And it’s my job to help him fulfil those plans, ideas and dreams,” she continues.                                                                                              

“When he spoke about going to college, I thought, this is going to be another wonderful idea that our family gets to work with Andrew on. How do we make this part of his journey simple, so he enjoys the college experience like any other person wanting to go?”

Mother and son began brainstorming. Banar suggested he could set up a lemonade stand or set aside money from his summer job. However, Pickle reminded Banar he already had his income earmarked for other activities he enjoys.

Pickle then took a closer look at her son’s drawings of rock-and-roll-inspired characters. She suggested he consider transferring the designs to T-shirts for friends and family to purchase. Banar was keen on the idea.

“I like being an artist,” Banar tells Community Living Leaders.

“It's fun to draw characters playing music.”

Pickle and Banar expanded their market by getting a booth at a local craft fair in Kingsville. Banar’s endeavour caught the attention of a local newspaper reporter and a radio station disc jockey.

That was two years ago. With a website, worldwide sales and the opportunity to give back to charities, Banar and Pickle are riding one unique and rewarding path towards a post-secondary education. 

-- More to come

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