Getting a dog can be life-changing, and that’s certainly true for 10-year-old Kyle Garfield and his pal, Rufus.
Kyle has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism and anxiety, and, in November 2019, he was the first in northern B.C. to receive a service dog from the BC and Alberta Guide Dog Association.
“It’s been quite life-changing for us and Kyle,” says Kyle’s mother Heather, referring to Rufus, the three-year-old black Labrador retriever, who has special training to help calm and support Kyle when he needs it.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been challenging for BC and Alberta Guide Dog Association to fundraise as their efforts have been limited, so Kyle wanted to find a way to fundraise for the organization and make sure that people would still be receiving service dogs.
After brainstorming while out camping, Kyle and his family decided to make the all-natural fire-starters that Heather’s grandmother used to make and sell them by donation.
“We thought we’d make a few batches and sell them by donation and see what happens. So Kyle had set a goal of $500 by September long weekend and within 24 hours of posting it on our personal social media, he was already at $1,800,” says Heather.
Kyle has since moved the fundraising goal three times but has settled on $5,000, which is the amount needed for Kyle to name a puppy in training.
He’s since dubbed his fundraising efforts 'Kyle’s Kindness,' and he’s not far off from his goal either as Kyle’s currently raised $4,200.
The fundraiser is important to Kyle and his family because of the immense impact Rufus has made in their lives.
Rufus is also the first autism service dog the Delta-based charity has placed this far north, and there’s still Prince George families on the waitlist.
“It is very hard for people with autism to identify or understand emotions and build true relationships and that will never come naturally for Kyle. He was in social therapy for that but the relationship he’s built with Rufus is teaching him that so quickly,” says Heather.
“He understands that no matter what, if he has a meltdown or a tough day, Rufus still loves him just the same and there’s no judgement. He’s actually vocalized that to me which he would have never been able to do before.”
Heather says not only has Rufus been life-changing for Kyle, but for a kid who thrives off of responsibility, the fundraiser itself has motivated him through the instability of the pandemic.
“When COVID hit, he lost everything that was supporting him. He lost his therapy, he lost his friendships, he lost his regular scheduled school and his whole world was turned upside down which is very hard for an autistic person. The fundraiser gave him focus,” says Heather.
She says he’s so dedicated, he’ll willingly give up playdates and video game time to make the orders.
“He’s talking to people when he delivers them and talking to people about his fundraiser. It’s been huge”
The fire starters are made from wax, dryer lint and pinecones or wood chips and will start even the wettest wood without the need for accelerants or paper.
Heather says the community has been very supportive with neighbours donating dryer lint, and Salmon Valley Campground not only allowing Heather and Kyle to come out and collect pinecones but also selling the fire starters at the campground.
“We just want to say how thankful we are to our community and the support we’ve received,” says Heather. “Kyle can’t believe so many people care about him.”
Because he’s enjoying fundraising so much once Kyle reaches his $5,000 goal, Heather says he’s going pick a new mental health-focused charity to fundraise for in September.
“As long as he’s enjoying it we are going to continue it.”
If you’d like to support Kyle’s Kindness and buy some fire starter by donation you can check out the Kyle’s Kindness Facebook Page or email garfield.4@outlook.com.
