A fundraiser held last month netted generous donations for two Town of Sidney Parks Department workers and their families.
The fundraiser, organized by Kenny Podmore, benefitted John Cunningham, who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis last year and Chris Wallace, who’s three-year-old son Coen Wallace, is in desperate need of a kidney transplant.
A pancake breakfast and barbecue held Oct. 27 at Beacon Park saw over 200 people come out and $13,700 in donations pour in for the two employees along with other substantial donations by cheque made out directly to the families.
“Once again our community banded together and we were able to make a difference,” said Podmore, who added that before the event even happened, an anonymous donor stepped up to buy a and install a stairlift in Cunningham’s home after seeing a story in the Peninsula News Review.
“We couldn’t do these sorts of wonderful things without everyone coming together,” he said.
The proceeds from the pancake breakfast and barbecue, which were supported by several local businesses and organizations including the Sidney Lions, Thrifty Foods, Slegg Lumber and Stonestreet Cafe, were divided 50/50 between the two families.
The Wallace family also recently got word that Angel Flight, a volunteer organization that co-ordinates free flights for people with medical needs, offered their services to the family.
If you’re still interested in donating to the families, contact 250-655-4631 for more information.