by Julianna Bonnett
On Sunday, volunteers with Kids Curing Cancer hosted the 4th annual Amherstburg Minor Hockey Day at the Libro Credit Union Arena to raise money for the Fight Like Mason Foundation and The Ronald McDonald House.
Lauren Baillargeon, a student at General Amherst High School, founded Kids Curing Cancer over six-years ago, after her grandfather was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. Two-years later, her grandfather passed away, and Baillargeon and her family started collecting donations for organizations in Windsor in support of cancer and childhood cancer.
“It really all started because of Lauren,” Muriel Gerard said, who is Lauren’s grandmother. “We have been able to do so much over the years because of this and today is one of my favourite days.”
Gerard said they start their day for the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Day at 7 a.m., which immediately included collecting donations.
“We go all day collecting donations, but it’s also fun because we enjoy watching all the teams playing hockey and doing it for such a good cause,” Gerard said.
The hockey day, which started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m., had support from the community. And all players, who were on the ice, got to wear KCC/AMHA armbands that were generously donated and created by students at Western Secondary School and Accurate Creations.
“I just couldn’t be more proud of what my kids are doing,” organizer Jodi Baillargeon said. “The amazing thing is seeing the dedication that Lauren and my two other children, Ty and Kierstyn, have put into this day.”
Kids Curing Cancer will host their annual fundraiser, Kids Curing Cancer for grandpa pasta dinner, on February 15 at the Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery.