Orphan siblings are guests at Hastings Park on Father’s Day
The Saint-Ange orphans marked their first Father’s Day without their dad, surrounded by friends and strangers who wanted them to know they were not alone.
The Abbotsford siblings — Nadine, 22; Nina, 21; Chelsy, 17; Wade, 16; and Kelsy, 15 — have been buffeted by a series of tragedies in recent years.
On a drizzly Sunday afternoon, they were guests at Alumni Day at the Races at Hastings Racecourse, where they ate burgers, watched the races with interest and excitement, and chatted with local sports heroes — something family advocate Jen Macpherson hoped can take their mind off their grief, if only for a short while.
“It’s a wonderful way for them to forget about Father’s Day being centred around the fact their father’s not here,” she said.
The family’s troubles started in 2012 when the eldest child, Ryan, was murdered in 2012. Their mother, Mary, died of a sudden asthma attack last August. Then their dad, Wade Sr., a long-haul truck driver, died of a heart attack while preparing dinner on May 9.
After a Postmedia story about the siblings’ plight was published, a fundraising campaign to keep the family together raised close to $160,000.
The children are still “in a place of grief,” but thanks to the support from the community, they’re able to start thinking about their future, said Macpherson, who spoke on behalf of the children Sunday so they could enjoy the day at the races away from the media spotlight.
Nadine, who had planted a vegetable garden in the backyard to help feed the family, plans to go back to school in the fall of 2018 to study agriculture. Nina wants to pursue a career in administration.
An eviction notice served by their landlord earlier this month has been rescinded, thanks to help from a lawyer who volunteered his time to help the family.
“It’s awesome to see them just be able to have a chance to dream a little and start thinking about the possibilities,” said Macpherson.
John Ulmer, former B.C. Lions player and B.C. Sports Hall of Fame member, read about the family’s story and was moved to action. He extended an invitation to the siblings to attend the Alumni Day at the Races, which raises funds for Canuck Place, B.C. Children’s Hospital and the Dire Needs Fund.
“My dad passed away 16 years ago from ALS,” he said. “I know what it’s like that first Father’s Day.
“I wanted to bring little light in their life, to let them know they’re not alone, and there’s angels watching all the time.”