Are you getting into the spirit of giving this summer? Seaside did!
For the second year, Seaside hosted its Taking It To The Street charity event on June 13 at Mary Winspear Centre. The focus of the day’s events was for Help Fill A Dream Foundation, a charity that ignites hope in the lives of children who face life-threatening conditions by fulfilling their dreams, improving quality of life, and assisting their families with care and financial support. Since 1986, Help Fill A Dream has supported over 2,100 Island children. Some have asked me, “How can you host your own charity event, manage Seaside Magazine and raise two kids?” Some days I wonder myself, but for the most part when I meet the children we help, it’s all worth it. I explain it to my kids and they totally get it. And then there’s my team. I couldn’t do any of this without them, so I’m really the lucky one, but I guess we all benefit in the end.
One thing I’ve learned through this journey is that dreams do have a ripple effect. The impact goes far beyond the dream child, it touches family, friends, neighbours and the community as a whole. Every dream is a story of joy and healing and is as unique as the child making it. Some are big, some are small, some are wild and exotic, some are tame and closer to home. On Saturday it was an extra special day, as we announced two ‘dream reveals,’ one for Coen and one for Emma. Coen suffers from Bilateral Hydronephrosis and underwent a kidney transplant just over a year ago. While he is doing well now, there will always be the potential for challenges in the future. Emma has a form of cancer called Pineoblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Both dreams are headed for Hawaii, while Coen wants to swim in the ocean and spend the day building sand castles, Emma’s includes volcanoes and luaus. One thing Help Fill A Dream hears consistently from families is that time together becomes scarce and very precious during a child’s illness. A trip away gives everyone a chance to relax and rediscover what it means to be a family again.
Another very special part of the day was a surprise visit from Kelly Slater, our dream recipient from last year. Kelly suffers from cystic fibrosis and last year we sent him and his family to Sweden to play hockey with his team. He and his Mom shared stories with the group about their amazing trip. How great it is to see a charity event bring together a community of volunteers, passionate hockey players and dedicated sponsors … all for a common cause (see www.seasidemagazine.ca/charityevent).
Thanks to all who were involved!
