A 13-year-old boy in Beaverton is growing pumpkins as large as 600 pounds.
Simon Southwell wakes up early every morning to care for 11 of his giant pumpkins, weeding, watering and fertilizing them. He started his own business called Simon’s Display and Specialty Pumpkins, and business has been booming this summer.
“I'm selling to Loblaws; this year I’m selling to Markham, Newmarket, Keswick, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Lindsey.”
Southwell's going rate is $0.75 per pound of pumpkin, most of that goes back to his community.
“I donate the money to the Brock Foodbank. If you can help the community and maybe if you ever need help the community will help you.”
Southwell has autism and his mom Sandy says his hobby has truly helped her son.
“I know from when he first started, and when he first started doing different programs and things, I mean the people say to me, ’he doesn't seem autistic’. That's the best compliment you can get.”
This is Southwell’s third summer growing the giant pumpkins. He’s even branched out, helping to haul giant pumpkins for other kids who grow them.
“Autism, I'm not using that as a disadvantage. Keep going all the way.”
Southwell isn't just looking out for the community with the money he's raising through his business, he's saved $11,000 for his retirement fund, but before that he'll use another $6,000 he's saved to go to college for financial planning.
