Original drawings. A love of music. A message of friendship. Discover Andrew Banar’s Group Hug Apparel story and the community behind “Be Strong Rock On.”
Our story · Meet Andrew · Explore the apparel
From the Group Hug Apparel story archive. Dates, prices, offers, totals, and event details in older posts reflect their original publication and are not a current offer or event announcement.
Be Strong Rock On - documentary
This documentary is about my son Andrew Banar. He was born with Down Syndrome and has been challenged with many of the associated health issues. With the help of our family Andrew has started his own t-shirt company called Group Hug Apparel and each item has one of Andrew’s cool designs on them. We wanted to share it with the world 🙂
Socks Socks Socks to Rock on World Down syndrome Day
I am gearing up for World Down syndrome Day on March 21st . World Down Syndrome Day is marked each year on March 21, beginning in 2006. The 21st day of March was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Every year on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome. Here is a cool picture of what the chromosomes look like……sock style 🙂
Adult Hoodies
Hi there! If you are interested in ordering any of my designs, please contact my mom. She would be happy to assist you….. she is my assistant LOL….. No really, she is. 🙂
Mother and Son Day
Who went to Point Pelee National Park today? We did and it certainly was a beautiful day to be outdoors. Fresh air and Andrew……a beautiful blessing.
Andrew’s Birthday Wish
Join Andrew on April 5th in celebrating his annual “Be The Reason Someone Smiles Day”, by doing a Random Act of Kindness for someone. Yup, that’s it, just pay it forward and spread some love.
Andrew Speaking At AV Graham Public School
We love sharing beautiful memories of Andrew speaking at local schools. On this day, he spoke in front of hundreds of students from AV Graham public school in Tecumseh. He shared about his dreams, ideas and accomplishments. He also spoke about World Down syndrome Day that takes place on March 21st.
How To Order Group Hug Apparel
If you are interested in purchasing some of Andrew’s awesome apparel,
please feel free to contact us below.
Rock Your Socks ’50’s Style’
HEY THERE DADDY O’s,…. So, ‘Word from this cool cat’ is that he wants you to SAVE THE DATE and come “Rock Your Socks – 50’s Style” with Andrew Banar at his 5th Annual Group Hug Apparel Pasta Dinner Fundraiser to benefit his “Helping Sick Children One Shirt At A Time” Campaign.
International Women’s Day
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Karen Pickle will be the keynote speaker at our International Women’s Day breakfast. (The breakfast is actually the day after IWD, but it’s like a birthday, am I right?!? ? It deserves to be celebrated all weekend long!)
Free Fun Passes
Andrew has some wonderful news to share with everyone.
We have partnered with Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Kingsville ON to give away 1 Free Fun Pass with every purchase of one of Andrew’s Group Hug Apparel - Be Strong Rock On designs. How cool is this!
Your fun pass Includes: Unlimited 18 Hole indoor Mini Golf, Kiddie Rides, Bumper Cars, Inflatables, Mini Himalaya, Tea Cup Ride and Petting Farm Admission. Valued up to $17.99 + tax.
Summer Sale & Fundraiser
It’s that time of year again for our SUMMER SALE!! Yes that’s right, it’s time to clear out some of our stock to make room for our fall inventory. So Andrew has some really awesome specials happening for 2 days only.
My friend Tom Schinkelshoek
My mom say’s that it’s important to be kind to others. And always appreciate who is in your life.
Andrew’s 6th Blog Post - vacation
I went bowling and mini putt putt with my mom on rainy days. I won and she lost. She’s a good mom and not a bad loser at all. The mini golf was glow in the dark. My mom lost her ball. It did not glow lol
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Wow, what a wonderful surprise it was when Andrew was invited to throw out the very first pitch during the Charlotte Stone Crabs vs Lakeland Flying Tigers Baseball game at Charlotte Sports Park.
We Rock’d Our Socks - Super Hero Style
What a fabulous night we had at Andrew’s 4th Annual Rock Your Socks “Super Hero Style” fundraiser Friday evening. Wow, wow, wow!
Kindness Is Never Far Away
Never underestimate the power of kindness, its’ always around the corner.