Metchosin comes together for three kids battling cancer

The community of Metchosin has teamed up with the Royal Roads Running Club to help support three young Metchosinites in the fight against cancer.

Volunteers have organized a benefit Halloween-themed dance and silent auction at the Metchosin Community Hall on Oct. 30.

While the dance tickets sold out quickly, the silent auction is open for anyone.

“We are a caring community and we want to support these families,” said organizing volunteer and Metchosin Coun. Moralea Milne. “Not many of us haven’t been affected by cancer.”

The proceeds will be distributed among the families of Stephen Gignac, 20, Delaney Dunlop, 17 and Jaimey Hamilton, 10.

“Every single penny will be donated equally between the three families,” said organizing volunteer Wendy Mitchell.

Hamilton and Gignac are battling leukemia and Delaney is fighting a rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma.

Each family is dealing with a different stage of treatment whether it’s a recent diagnosis, in the middle of treatment or a relapse, said Metchosin fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop, Delaney’s mother.

On top of an already difficult time, the families find themselves travelling to and from BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

“The province covers the cost of the sick kids’ travel expenses but not the family’s,” Milne said.

While families appreciate the support of the community, Stephanie said it’s hard to accept money from others, but she appreciates it all the same.

“We don’t know what the future holds,” Stephanie said.

Many parents take extra time off work to support their children through their hospital experience which results in lost wages. It also costs about $55 a week to park at the hospital.

The money donated will help parents and siblings cover travelling costs, such as gas, ferry fees and accommodations.

“After it’s all said and done and (Delaney) is good to go, we have bigger dreams to start a fund to help out other kids,” Stephanie said. “Cancer seems to be growing in our local communities. It’s growing and growing. These aren’t the only kids dealing with this.”

Items for bidding range from pies and firewood to fishing charters and wine tours. “Bring lots of money,” Milne said.

Due to a high amount of donations for the silent auction, art related donations will be auctioned off separately at the Metchosin Community House, 4430 Happy Valley Rd, Nov. 27 from 2 to 8 p.m.

“The response from this community has been so heartfelt, generous and compassionate, I am sure it will provide substantial financial assistance to them all,” Milne said.

The Oct. 30 silent auction is at the Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd. from 2 to 7 p.m. For more information or to make a donation call Milne at 250-478-3838.

Donating directly

To donate directly to the Metchosin families, trust accounts have been set up for each of the three youths.

Delaney Dunlop, Coast Capital Credit Union – Victims Trust Account: Delaney Dunlop.

Stephen Gignac, Any Coast Capital Credit Union account No. 5591198.

Jamie Hamilton, the HHS Charity Fund, PO Box 47083, 750 Goldstream Ave., Victoria, B.C., V9B 5T2.

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