Squamish residents braved the rain on Saturday (March 2) and came out in droves to help youngster Theo Lazardis in his battle with leukemia.
The Squamish Family Play Day took over On The Farm Country Market with all sorts of events for the whole family and the day proved to be successful, raising $5,000 for the Lazardis family.
"The feedback was positive all the way around," said event organizer Melanie Bradley. "Everyone was absolutely thrilled with the turnout."
Bradley, who works as the Sea to Sky rep for the Peekaboo Beans line of children's wear, said the generosity of the Squamish community was on display.
"Whenever something like this happens, the community shows up and it's just so inspiring," she said.
Activities included pony rides, carnival games, family photo shoots and live music. Bradley said local businesses were a big help, with Campfire Grill donating food and both Starbucks and Tim Hortons donating coffee.
Bradley also thanked Megan Moscatelli and Selinda Lye for their help in organizing the event and Natalie Pereman for helping to host the event.
According to a Lazardis family representative, Theo is halfway through his current round of chemotherapy and the family is in a waiting period for his white blood cells to come back up. Theo is living in the hospital for the time being but will be allowed to return home when his immune system gets stronger.
On Sunday (March 10), Mish Mash clothing store will host an Easter egg hunt, with funds going towards the family.
Proceeds from tonight's (March 7) annual Red and White Party at the Garibaldi Lift Company in Whistler, an event being organized by Whistler Blackcomb ski patrollers, will go to the Lazaridis family.
The Whiskey Chiefs, a six-piece instrumental funk band from Vancouver, will perform. There are many prizes up for either a live auction or raffle draw, including heli-skiing, a season pass for WB next year and snowmobile tours, to name a few.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Blackcomb Dispatch, the GLC or at the door of the event, which starts at 7 p.m.
For more details on the family's efforts, visit the "Theo's Basecamp" page on Facebook.
- With files from Tanya Foubert, Whistler Question
