Mayor touched by dedication
Sendzik changes theme of grape stomp to honour Diodati and others fighting cancer
Every squished grape will mark another kick against cancer when Niagara mayors meet for their annual grape stomp later this month.
In a new twist, St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik has changed the theme of the competition, which is part of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.
This year the mayors will be raising money and awareness for the fight against cancer – a tribute to Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who is being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“Wasn’t that awesome? I was touched,” said Diodati. “Walter called me when I was still in the hospital and told me what he was thinking of doing.”
The grape stomp is set for noon on Sept. 22 at Montebello Park in St. Catharines. The volume of stomped grape juice, together with the amount of money each mayor raises, will determine the winner.
As well, the public is being asked to donate to Wellspring Niagara, Walker Family Cancer Centre and the Rankin Family Cancer Rehab Centre at Hotel Dieu Shaver centre prior to the stomp.
When making a donation, people should quote the name of the mayor they’re supporting so it can be counted in the stomp score.
Niagara’s mayors have held the stomping competition for 45 years, usually to collect donations for area food banks.
“This year Niagara’s mayors and community leaders are coming together to support our friend Mayor Jim and everyone
in Niagara who has battled cancer,” Sendzik said.
Diodati, 53, spent nearly a month in hospital this summer. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma – one of the most treatable forms of cancer, if caught early. He’s undergoing a six-month regime of chemotherapy that has limited the amount of time he can spend at city hall.
Diodati said changing the theme of the grape stomp shows the impact cancer has had on the lives of most people.
“For those people who are going through it – not just the people, but their support system, their family and friends – I think it shows people are aware and they’re paying attention.”
He’s not up to competing this year, though, saying he’s lost weight and is still rebuilding his physical stamina.
Sendzik has won the past three stomping titles but announced after last year’s event he was retiring. However, he has confirmed he’ll be back in the barrel this year.
“I don’t have the track record Walter has,” said Diodati. “He’s undefeated. He must have webbed feet or something. He’s probably a good swimmer, too.”