Things are falling into place for local autism fundraisers Fran and Bob Duncan’s annual summer efforts.
Starting the end of May Fran will canvass in front of local grocery and liquor stores at peak weekend times to help raise awareness and funds for her grandson’s poorly understood disorder.
The Duncans live in French Creek but their team — Aidan’s Avengers — takes part in the Walk Now For Autism in September in Vancouver, where their grandson lives.
They do various fundraising efforts through the year, including an ongoing bottle drive, raising over $4,500 last year alone.
They are working on another White Spot burger and beer night in August and Fran said she is always collecting bottles and there is an “autism” account open at the Parksville and Qualicum Beach bottle depots people can donate to any time.
This year Aidan’s younger sister Nadia is collecting pennies and Riptide Graphics is donating team shirts, saving them money they have spent out of pocket.
Fran points out people with autism don’t look any different, but it affects more children than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.
For more on autism visit www.autismspeaks.org and www.walknowforautism.org.
To donate directly or for more info contact the Duncans at happytrails51@shaw.ca or 250-752-3744.