Terry Hein is banking on the generosity of Squamish residents and she's hoping that locals can dig deep to help one of their own.
The owner of the Just Call Terry delivery service has rallied the community for the Have a Heart fundraiser on Saturday (Feb. 11) at the CN Roundhouse Centre. The event aims to help lifelong Squamish residents Nikki and Bal Thandi, who have been struggling to make ends meet after Bal was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005 and again last year.
"I've known Nikki and Bal for a number of years and they're really good kids," Hein said, noting the couple married last year after being together for 10 years. "Bal got really sick in 2005 after he had a brain tumor and, once he recovered from that, had some difficulty finding work. After he found work, doctors discovered a bigger and more aggressive tumor last February."
Hein said Bal is unable to work and Nikki has been forced to stay home and care for him. While waiting for money from the government, the couple went through financial struggles. Hein decided to help them out with the fundraiser.
"My goal with this is to give them a year's peace," she said. "Maybe in the next year they don't have to try and find money for groceries or to pay for the heat. How can you even dream of getting better if you're under that kind of stress."
She added that she's been amazed at the enthusiasm that Squamish residents have shown for the event after putting up posters around town.
"The heart in Squamish is unbelievable," she said. "I figured this is a great excuse for everyone to get together and have a wonderful time with each other, but I've been flooded with donations. People are handing me money when I'm putting up posters and I've been overwhelmed. I love this town, it's such an amazing little place."
Hein said the event will feature several live bands, a silent auction, door prizes and draws for those in attendance. The fundraiser is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and last until midnight but those unable to attend can also donate online via PayPal or in person at the Squamish Credit Union in care of Baljit and Nikki Thandi.
Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds from the event go to the couple. For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.facebook.com/squamishhasheart.
