It began as a fundraiser to support critical cervical cancer treatment for Sarah Perkins, who sacrificed everything to ensure her 17-year-old daughter, Madison, could pursue the sport she loves.
And now, a St. Thomas family is determined to raise much-needed funds for the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin, where Sarah passed away on June 22 of this year after an eight-day stay at the facility.
The funds are being raised through the collection of pop and beer cans along with liquor bottles at their Arthur Avenue home.
Sarah’s father, Ernie has embarked on the inspiring fundraiser and his granddaughter Taylor Singh has the back story.
Singh adds she will never forget the incredible care Sarah received and the empathy of the hospice staff and volunteers.
She notes the family has already presented its first donation to the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin.
Madison (seen with her mother in the photo below) reflects on the eight days they spent at the hospice.
We spoke with Ernie out in his garage where he literally has an assembly line on the go to deal with the hundreds of bottles and cans.
He stresses the process is as easy as dropping off the bottles cans by the sign on their front lawn at 19 Arthur Avenue in St. Thomas.
For pick-up in the St. Thomas area, call 519-631-5164.
The hope is to continue to run the Supporting Sarah’s Legacy fundraiser for another two years.
However, the connection to the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin will run deeper for Madison. In time, she would like to return as a volunteer.
“I’ve also thought about bringing my cat in for therapeutic sessions (with the families at the facility) as well. I’m waiting until it’s a little easier to go there. Give me time.”
Written by Ian McCallum
