Support is ramping up as the community rallies around a Powell River family after a car accident left their son seriously injured.
Anakin Fretts, 12, was airlifted to Vancouver with two others hurt in the car accident near Shingle Beach on Texada Island, September 21.
Family friend and neighbour Tara Chernoff spoke to the Peak about the community efforts to support the family.
“I’m so proud to be a part of the community because everyone has really stepped up,” said Chernoff. “We can’t heal their son but we can stand beside them and support them.”
Anakin is in a coma and in very serious condition.
A bank account has been set up at First Credit Union called the Fretts Family Donation Account.
“The money is going to the family to help them because they are down at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver supporting their son with their young daughter,” Chernoff said.
She added that the credit union has received calls from people who have said they do not know the family but have been so moved by the story and want to help.
Anakin is a student at École Côte du Soleil and his school friends have held bake sales and some of his classmates are also organizing fundraisers.
Minna Becker, one of Anakin’s friends, is organizing Art for Anakin, a silent auction of prints, paintings, jewellery and other donated items on Saturday, October 18.
Canadian Martial Arts Academy, where Anakin spent the last seven years studying under Sensei Frank Clayton, is also raising money for the family.
Each year in January the karate academy hosts a tournament to raise money for its tournament team. This year the funds raised from the tournament will go to the family, said Clayton.
“Anakin was one of our first six members in our karate studio here when I first came to Powell River,” said Clayton. Last year Anakin became a black belt, the highest level in karate.
“This is quite devastating,” said Clayton. “We try to prepare ourselves for this kind of thing, but when it’s close to you it’s difficult.”
Clayton estimates the tournament will raise approximately $3,500.
Chernoff said that anyone wanting to make a donation to the family can come into First Credit Union and speak to a teller. “We’ve had quite a few people do that already and all of our tellers are aware and it’s very easy to do,” she said.
Since the accident, bake sales at Powell River Recreation Complex and First Credit Union have been organized to raise money.
Powell River Kings have partnered with First Credit Union and other local businesses to raise money for the family as well. One dollar from each adult ticket sold from the Friday, October 10, game was donated to the family as well as a portion of the 50/50 draw held that night.
