A Halloween-themed fundraising barbecue in Sidney will support Baby Piper and her family.
Piper Blinko, daughter of Sidney Pier Hotel employee Shawnie Blinko, is only a couple of months old and is already in the fight of her life.
Piper was born with malfunctioning kidneys in September, and was immediately airlifted to Vancouver and B.C. Children’s Hospital where her and her family have been staying since.
Piper’s kidneys are now functioning, but she faces a slew of other health issues as a result.
“Once again another local family has been hit with their little baby being born with severe health issues,” said Sidney Town Crier, Kenny Podmore, who is spearheading the fundraiser.
“We are so fortunate to have a wonderful medical system here in Canada with amazing doctors, nurses and state of the art technology.
“However the system does not cover all the associated costs that come in situations like this,” Podmore explained, adding that funds raised during the barbecue will go towards to the Sidney family’s travel and accommodation costs while at Children’s Hospital.
The Burgers for Baby Piper barbecue will take place Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sidney Save-On Foods.
“There will be Halloween activities for the kids and a silent auction for the adults,” said Podmore.
Local TV personality Ed Bain will be flipping burgers and singer Tom Watson will be providing entertainment, he added.
“We have the opportunity to help this family so I urge anyone who can to come and support this event.”
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com