Langley youth Sean Thomas thought he would surprise the rest of the kids in the charity group Kids Can Help by inviting Canucks mascot Fin to a pizza party celebrating the group's fundraising efforts.

But animals can be unpredictible and Fin would not stop swimming around the meeting room of the WC Blair Recreation Centre until he pulled in centre Manny Malhotra to join the Tuesday party.

It was a surprise for Thomas, 10. When the Canucks learned more about Kids Can Help, the hockey organization arranged for the player to visit.

"I think that speaks a lot about the type of people you are," Malhotra said to the kids.

He said he was impressed that this was done by such young kids, and as a young father, hopes to instill those kinds of compassionate values in his children.

Kids Can Help started out as Sean raising money for cancer research after his grandmother died a few years ago. He recorded a CD and donated the proceeds, adament that young people can help with important causes.

Kids Can Help has since evolved into a group of about two dozen local kids who over the past year raised $15,300.01.

"We surpassed our goal this year," Sean said. "This is the third year we've done that."

Many of the kids will be presenting the money at the 2012 Children's Miracle Network Telethon benefitting BC Children's Hospital. They are expected to be on air sometime between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on June 2.

Their goal for this past year was $5,000 but that was already exceeded when the staff at law firm Slater Veccio held a coin drive and the company matched it. So the goal was set to $10,000.

Kids Can Help has also held bottle drives, a car wash, a talent show, garage sales and other events to raise money. The group also has coin collection cans in various spots around the community.

Next up for the group is a music recital at the Douglas Park Spirit Square bandshell on June 23 when they will be selling drinks and treats and offering a silent auction and face painting at the invitation of Resound Music School. It kicks off the group's fundraising 2012/13 year. Anyone interested in finding out out more about the group can call Sean Thomas at 604-833-8772.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com