Like many people, Nick Louras, has been touched by cancer. His wife, Julie, worked at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and had occasion to work with the Wellspring cancer support organization previously. Since the family moved back to Niagara, she now is with the Walker Family Cancer Centre at Niagara Health’s Marotta Family Hospital.
But it really hit home when both his uncle, Pat Paladino, and his father, Nick Sr., were both diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, his uncle passed away, but his dad has since been given, in Nick’s words, “the all clear” and is living life to the fullest.
“He actually flew to L.A. this morning,” Louras. “He's going on a cruise to Hawaii. He’s 71 and he’s ready to start living.”
Grateful for Nick Sr.’s recovery, the Louras’ wanted to do something. So Louras, a broker with The Louras Team (Royal LePage Real Estate) decided to jump on board with Wellspring for its Light Up Wellspring event as its title sponsor. The event held Thursday drew hundreds of supporters to Wellspring Niagara’s Pelham facilities.
“(Wellspring) told us they're having it, so we're like, you know what? We're going to give them a donation to help out.”
In the end, through a customer appreciation event held by the brokerage, $2,500 was raised for the cancer support agency’s programs for children and teens.
Wellspring Niagara co-founder and Executive Director Ann Mantini-Celima said events like the Light Up campaign are important to the organization.
“We don't receive any government funding, so every dollar we raise goes into our programs and stays right here in Niagara,” she said. “That impacts the lives of men, women and children who are living with cancer. “Some are pediatric cancer patients themselves, or their mom or dad cancer and going through a difficult, emotional time.”
The goal of the campaign is to raise $100,000.
Thursday’s event included an hour-long free skate at the Meridian Community Centre, a performance by Fort Erie singer Selena Carlson, a jam, session featuring students from the Niagara Conservatory of Music, a bake sale, holiday market, raffles, face painting and more. Attendees were also treated to free hot chocolate or hot apple cider.
For a donation, attendees could take part in a 15-minute photo session with Telara Photobooth & Events.
Like many charities, a strike by Canada Post workers has affected donations. Prior to the work stoppage by members of the Canadian Union of Post Employees potential donors could mail in or drop off a donation and be recognized with a light on Wellspring’s Christmas tree located in the main lobby. The mail strike has put a damper on that.
But Mantini-Celima reminded those present that donations are still needed and there are ways to get around the postal strike.
“It’s not too late to make your donation, because you can do it online,” she said. “We also have a virtual tree, and you can do your tribute on our virtual tree online.”
Anyone wishing to donate online can do so here. To find out about other ways to give to Wellspring, call 905-684-7619.
