There aren't many days that go by when I'm not grateful for living in a town like ours, but last weekend I was reminded in a way reminiscent of that old Maxell tape print ad - you know, the one with the guy sitting in his armchair literally being blown away?
Seriously. This town has got your back.
On Sunday night bidding closed for an online auction, held on Facebook, in support of the families of Theo Lazaridis, Jasmine Blake and Lina Palethorpe - all of whom have been battling childhood cancer.
In just 19 days, more than 2,700 people in Squamish and beyond joined the page to show their support. Donations - 157 of them to be precise -ranged from gorgeous vacation rentals to a trio of handymen for a day to babysitting/daycare services so mom and dad could take advantage of one of the many fun nights out (or in, if you availed yourself of a spectacular wine tasting).
And people were generous with their bidding too, oftentimes offering up more than the value of certain goods - even a $250 Nesters gift certificate fetched $290. In fact, Mel Bradley, the highest bidder, was delighted when she was named top dog and given the opportunity to pay $40 MORE than the face value of her prize.
That's the kind of town we live in.
Co-organizer Leslie McQuade said the estimated total is just over the $20,000 mark.
"We are so amazed by the community's support with both donations and bids," she wrote in an email. "I would love to give prizes to so many people for biggest heart, funniest comment, best jabs, best job in upping the bids, best donation, but I can't put names to these because there were too many. It was so much fun!"
On the Facebook page, organizers wrote: "Although none of these families has asked for help, we want to do something for our neighbours and friends as they face these incredible challenges. We can only imagine how time-consuming and tiring, not to mention costly it is for the three families to juggle work schedules, household chores, family obligations and the kids' cancer treatments."
Auction administrators and helpers behind the scenes should all be heartily acknowledged, particularly Lauren Fraser, David Lane, Carol Forsyth, Carla Wilke, Peter Fritz, Gary McFarlane, Tonya Motyka, Monica Rohl, Leslie McQuade, Scott McQuade, Lori Broker and everyone at Theo's Basecamp.
Cheryl Gordon stopped by the auction online and acknowledged the support she and her family received when her now-adult son Bryan was fighting cancer as a child and teen. Cheryl is one of the key organizers of Balding for Dollars and asked that people be reminded of this great event that takes place on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Adventure Centre - all in support of those with childhood cancer. Visit www.BaldingForDollars.com for pledge forms or pick one up at the Adventure Centre.
Kirsten Andrews offers courses, workshops and private consultations on Simplicity Parenting in the Corridor. For info visit www.SeaToSkySimplicityParenting.com, like it on Facebook or email [email protected].
