Youngsters who’ve battled most cancers had been pushed round in luxurious dream automobiles as a part of a brand new occasion in Purple Deer.
The Go Stay Basis hosted the primary Drive to Thrive at Das Auto on Sunday. Along with the drive for the youngsters, there was a automobile present, reside music and a barbecue.
Twelve youngsters obtained rides in luxurious automobiles in the course of the occasion.
“I’ve needed to attempt to not cry one million occasions simply because it’s been very emotional seeing how appreciative these children are,” stated Rachelle Dandurand, who co-founded of the inspiration together with her mom Heidi and brother Ryan.
“They’ve gone by way of a few of the largest hardships I’ve ever seen and so they’re so pleased and constructive. It makes you have got a special outlook on issues.”
Dandurand’s father Mike was recognized with colon most cancers in 2013 – he handed away the next 12 months. Two months later, her mom was recognized with Stage 4 ovarian most cancers.
“She did chemotherapy for 5 years. We misplaced her in July 2019,” stated Dandurand.
“Proper on the finish of her palliative journey … we wished to boost cash for the Alberta Most cancers Basis, so we bought tattoos that she designed. We did $150 tattoos with a few outlets right here in Purple Deer and we ended up elevating just below $5,000 in a few weeks.”
After their mom handed away, the Dandurand siblings wished to proceed fundraising by way of Go Stay Basis occasions to honour the reminiscence of their mother and father.
Ryan was part of a Make-A-Want Basis occasion in Kelowna the place youngsters had been capable of take a journey in luxurious automobiles. The siblings thought such a occasion could be an ideal match for Central Alberta.
The drives in the course of the Drive to Thrive occasion lasted about half-hour. Whereas the kids had been out, there have been nonetheless some luxurious automobiles on website for folks to see.
“We wished issues to proceed occurring even when the youngsters are gone on their drive,” she stated.
“The automobile neighborhood is admittedly small. We determined to have the automobile present and perhaps it’ll develop into one thing larger finally.”
For extra data on the Go Stay Basis, go to www.golivefoundation.ca.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Fb and comply with us on Twitter
The Go Stay Basis’s Drive to Thrive occasion was held at Das Auto in Purple Deer on Sunday. (Photograph by Sean McIntosh/Advocate workers)