‘It’s a way to pay it forward’
Reserve Mines seniors organize dance for cancer care fund
Members of the Reserve Mines Seniors and Pensioners Club recently heard about a fund to help people battling cancer and wanted to get involved.
“We were amazed to hear about this fund,” said Mel Bryden, club president. “I didn’t know it even existed.”
The Cancer Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney helps people battling cancer deal with their financial needs including travel to Halifax for treatment.
The club members decided to hold a dance on Saturday from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. with all money raised going to the patient fund.
“We thought it would be a good way to give back to the community because the community has been so good to us. It’s a way to pay it forward. We feel if it helps out one individual it’s all worth it.”
Admission to the dance will be $6 or a donation at the door. The event will include music by GTO and there will be lots going on all evening.
“The women are going to sell hotdogs and sausages and we’ll have a 50/50 and tickets on a lottery tree.”
As well items have been donated which will be auctioned off during the evening.
“The club is going to pay for the music so absolutely all of the funds raised will go directly to the patient fund,” he said.
“We also feel this event brings more attention to (the fund), to let people know about the patient care fund. It’s good for people to know it is there should you need it.”
Anyone who is unable to attend the dance but wishes to donate to the cause can telephone 902-849-6653 or 902-849-9031. Donations to the fundraiser can also be made at the credit union in Reserve Mines.
The club has an active membership that now stands at 110 members. Earlier this summer they raised $1,400 for the tractor fund at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
“We also feel this event brings more attention to (the fund), to let people know about the patient care fund.”
Mel Bryden, Reserve Mines Seniors and Pensioners Club
Bryden said those wanting to learn more about the Cancer Patient Care Fund can contact the Cape Breton Cancer Centre at 902-567-5000.
“People should also know every donation to this fund goes directly to those who need it, there are no costs that come out of it,” he added.