It was a bittersweet occasion at an art-focused business in Paradise Friday, as a community paid tribute to a young boy who passed away last November, while another family was given a new lease on life.

Friday would have been Jake Anstey’s 12th birthday, and mom Lisa and stepfather Doug used the occasion to help another family in need.

Their wheelchair accessible van, donated by Bursey’s Bus Service and Get Messy NL, has been passed on to mom Sabrina and daughter Avery Reid.

Nicknamed “Chewy” after the Star Wars character, the van will help Avery meet her medical and daily needs.

Lisa Hodder says the donation was a beautiful way to celebrate Jake’s life and carry on his legacy.

“He’s in heaven – it’s his first heavenly birthday,” said Lisa. “We held onto the van for a while because we couldn’t bear the thought of it leaving our driveway but when we thought about what Jake would want, he would want another child to have it and the freedom that it presents.”

Avery’s mom, Sabrina, describes it as like winning the lottery.

Sabrina says the van will bring them freedom, which they do not have right now.

“I can’t take her many places on my own anymore but now we will be able to go where we want to go, and one of the first places will be Rainbow Riders to set her up with some horses.”