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Town rallies around their own

Fundraising effort for Town of Sidney employees looks to raise $10,000
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Coen Wallace is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. He and Town of Sidney employee John Cunningham are the subjects of a new fundraising effort.

Two Town of Sidney Parks Department workers are the center of a fundraising initiative spearheaded by Sidney Councillor Kenny Podmore.

Chris Wallace, whose three-year-old son Coen Wallace is in desperate need of a kidney transplant and John Cunningham, who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis last year and needs a chair lift in his home so he can remain there, are the focus of Coun. Podmore’s fundraising efforts.

“Both these families are going through very tough times and have worked for the Town of Sidney for some time, so we felt we wanted to do something for them to help them in any way possible,” explained Podmore.

With the approval of the town and support from several local businesses and organizations including the Sidney Lions, Thrifty Foods, Slegg Lumber and Stonestreet Cafe, Podmore hopes to raise $10,000 for the two families.

“We’re a family on the Peninsula and that’s why we really want to come together for this, because these people are part of our family,” Podmore said.

The pancake breakfast will kick off the fundraiser on Oct. 27 at 8 a.m.  and it will roll into the barbecue lunch which begins at noon and runs until 2 p.m.

“We’re going to have music during the barbecue from the Stone Mountaineers, both mayors from Central Saanich and North Saanich will be there and Ed Bain from The Q and CHEK News will be there to flip burgers,” Podmore said. “All proceeds from the donations for the food at the pancake breakfast and the barbecue will go to help the families.”

Parents and children alike are invited to dress up in their Halloween costumes as well, Podmore noted. For event details or to help out, call 250-655-4631. Donations can also be made at Sidney town hall between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.