Fundraiser to support respite, camp programs offered by Children's Autism Services of Edmonton
For the second year in a row, a local salon is leading an autism fundraising and awareness campaign.
The money raised by Beaners, a brand that specializes in children's hair cuts, will benefit Children's Autism Services of Edmonton, which offers respite support for parents and a summer camp for kids with autism.
"These types of programs are not funded through traditional sources," the agency's Scott Wilson told CTV News Edmonton.
"So this allows us to have the funding that we need to be able to go and buy the equipment, create the programs and give those kids that little bit of a step into the community."
Beaners says it became involved with the advocacy and fundraising work because it understands that parents sometimes need a helping hand.
"With my son being on the spectrum as well, I can understand where they’re coming from," Fallon Grant, a stylist at Beaners Fun Cuts in St. Albert, said.
"I play with the kids. I just get it."
"You can tell she knows what she's doing," commented Bryan Rubio, whose son Max was diagnosed with autism at three years old.
Hair cuts can be a stressful experience for people with autism, given the sensations of the clippers and wet hair, Wilson explained.
"She’s got more experience with kids like this so it’s a perfect place for them," Rubio said of Beaners.
Rubio uses the respite services provided by Children's Autism Services of Edmonton and says the program is a great relief.
"We have a respite that comes in three hours a week. Three hours a week is a big difference to take a breather," he told CTV News Edmonton.
The campaign runs until the end of April, which is Autism Awareness Month.
Children's Autism Services of Edmonton estimates one in 66 children will be diagnosed with autism.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence
The federal government is proclaiming a National Day Against Gun Violence, to be held annually on the first Friday of June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and representatives of the Toronto Raptors basketball team are set to discuss the plans today at an event in Toronto.

'I heard a cracking noise': 16 children, 1 adult injured in platform collapse at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – were hospitalized after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar. However, many of the children are now being discharged and sent home, according to an update from the hospital.
Special rapporteur Johnston rejects call to 'step aside' after majority of MPs vote for him to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to assure Canadians that his government is adequately addressing the threat of foreign interference took a hit on Wednesday, when the majority of MPs in the House of Commons voted for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside,' a call Johnston quickly rejected.
Latest Russian missile bombardment of Kyiv kills at least 3, including a child
The latest pre-dawn Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed at least three people Thursday, including a 9-year-old child and her mother, Ukrainian officials said.
After sailing though House on bipartisan vote, Biden-McCarthy debt ceiling deal now goes to Senate
Veering away from a default crisis, the House overwhelmingly approved a debt ceiling and budget cuts package, sending the deal that U.S. President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated to the Senate for swift passage in a matter of days, before a fast-approaching deadline.
Jordan's royal wedding day gets underway with surprise arrival of Britain's William and Kate
Jordan's highly anticipated royal wedding day got underway on Thursday with the surprise announcement that Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate had arrived to witness the nuptials of Crown Prince Hussein and his Saudi Arabian bride.
Danny Masterson convicted of 2 counts of rape, 'That '70s Show' actor faces 30 years to life
'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson was led out in handcuffs from a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday and could get 30 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty on two of three counts of rape at his second trial, in which the Church of Scientology played a central role.
5 things to know for Thursday, June 1, 2023
A new day for Canadians to mark on the calendar, MPs call on special rapporteur David Johnston to resign, and Canadian consumers are more indebted than ever.
United States blanks Canada 3-0 in world para hockey championship
The United States shut out Canada 3-0 in the world para hockey championship Wednesday to hand the host country its first loss of the tournament.