Who doesn’t need a hug?

By Cody Wall

Be strong, Rock on.

This is one of the mottoes Andrew Banar follows daily, whether he is working his job at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, attending a Kingsville Kings game, playing Rock Band or running his self-started business Group Hug Appeal.

Banar was born with Down Syndrome and while facing challenges along the way he has never let that hold him back. This is thanks in part to his mother Karen Pickle who is always pushing him to learn and try new things.

“He learned how to read and write, he’s learning basic life skills,” said Pickle. “It may have taken him longer but that’s okay. If it’s something difficult we simplify things, so he can archive it and then we will build upon it that way.”

Banar started his company in 2007 with the help of his mother after brainstorming ways he could save money for college. He originally started thinking about going to post secondary school after talking to his cousin about his college experience. That is when the idea to use Banar’s drawings of a stick figure named Jack and put them on t-shirts became a thought. He decided to name the company after all the group hugs he would get while growing up. Group Hug Apparel was born.

“The group is like a friend. Hug, everybody loves hugs right and apparel means business and clothing,” said Banar.

His clothing company was a success from the beginning, with Banar being asked to attend an event at St. Clair College within his first year of business and growing to the point where the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies’ lead singer Ed Robertson even wore Banar’s t-shirt on stage.

“Ed Robertson told the whole crowd ‘this is a new shirt that I’m going to wear’ and I see that and it’s so cool,” said Banar.

Banar’s daily life is not any different from anyone else’s. In fact, it might be busier than most. Banar helps run the day-to-day business which includes setting up events, coming up with designs and doing inventory. On top of this Banar still finds time to work his other job at Colasanti’s and assists with the Kingsville Kings hockey team. Banar became familiar with the team after starting a Walking With Friends group. This is where Banar would meet Kings General Manager Andy Dowling and would be asked to help within the community and team.

“He sees the world in such a beautiful way. There is no colour or gender. There is no rich or poor there is just love and acceptance. He is one amazing young man that I am happy – no, lucky to call a friend,” said Dowling. “His big heart and devotion to his community and those in need is a great example we all should follow. He has struggled as much or more than most and he will never let that get him down.”

Thanks to his business Banar has also been able to partner with the Essex County Heroes Athletic Club. They help those with intellectual disabilities to keep active in the community.

“They do hip hop on Tuesdays and on Thursdays they do aqua fit these are free of charge for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Pickle.

Banar also enjoys dancing and teaching children how to cook as hobbies, with some of his favourite foods to cook being pizza and chicken wings.

“Cooking is my favourite thing to do,” said Banar. “I am a leader. I like teaching kids the right way to cook. We can make hot dogs, chicken burgers, pizza, wings and whatever. With hip-hop, it gets me in a buzzing mood and I’m like ‘come on friends, let’s get up and dance.”

He also likes to give back to the community, by visiting sick children in the hospital, giving away backpacks and t-shirts, mailing letters and helping fundraise. As someone who spent a lot of time within the hospital, Banar is very passionate about this, raising over $90,000 throughout the years.

“I write letters for sick kids, I send them t-shirts and teddy bears and stuff,” said Banar. “People asked me, ‘Andrew could you send teddy bears and toys in bags?’, and I said, ‘Yeah let’s do that. I love kids, I love helping with kids. It’s my favourite thing to do.’” said Banar.

Another motto Banar said he tries to follow in life is the fact that there should never be the answer no. This is one of the major reasons he has been able to continue to reach his goals.

“I don’t like to say no, it hard for her [Pickle] because I say yes let’s do it,” said Banar.

If you would like to support or learn more about Group Hug Appeal you can find information on grouphugapparel.com as well as their Facebook page.