Businesses step up for Dunn calendars

Fundraiser in memory of late Belmont youth

TRURO - A calendar fundraiser in memory of a late Belmont youth who battled mental illness is being supported by nearly 30 local businesses, with prizes to be drawn at Thane Dunn’s Elvis concert on June 3.

Late 18-year-old actor Lucas Rushton and the Elvis tribute artist shared a special relationship, always connecting during his shows in Truro.

As audience members who buy a calendar enter the concert at Cobequid Educational Centre for the Elvis’ greatest hits concert, they will be given a number, said mother Laureen Rushton. Draws will be made for winning numbers.

The Thane Dunn calendars, which have been printed by Fredericton-based printing company Rocket for free, cost $5. All of the money is going to Luke’s Legacy Fund, supporting a student of Neptune Theatre’s Youth Program who lives and travels from outside the Halifax Regional Municipality, as well as mental health initiatives.

Prizes include three-month RECC memberships, picture and rug from Berry’s Furniture, gift cards of various amounts up to $100, gift baskets and more. One lucky person will be sitting in Scammell Auto Limited’s $500 seat of the night. Rushton said they will be combining items for potentially 10 greater prizes. She adds that Calling Corners and Coopers Cabin were spots regularly frequented by her son.

Calendars can be purchased at Masstown Market, Macquarries Pharmasave and the Marigold Cultural Centre. Tickets are still available online at thanedunn.net.

The full list of supporting businesses is as follows:

• Berry's Furniture

• Rath Eastlink Community Centre

• Engine Room

• Great British Grub

• Calling Corners

• New Age Boutique

• Cooper's Cabin

• Tim Hortons (Debert)

• Coldstream Clear Distillery

• Noveltea Coffeehouse & Bakery

• Acropoles (Truro)

• Scammell Auto Limited

• Pridham Folks

• Culgin Construction Limited

• Double C Truck Stop

• Skin Decision Inc.

• Scissor Haven Hair Salon

• Whistlers

• The Wayside Restaurant & Gallery

• Down By The Bay Camping

• Sobeys Fundy Trail Mall

• Swiss Chalet (Truro)

• Murphy's Fish and Chips Eatery

• Mingo Music Sales

• Marigold Cultural Centre

• Canadian Mental Health Association: Colchester East Hants Branch

• Jimolly's Bakery Cafe

• Inglis Jewellers

CHELSEY GOULD Laureen Rushton holds up a Thane Dunn calendar being sold in memory of her son, Lucas Rushton, who battled mental illness before he passed away last year. Proceeds are going to support out-of-city students attending Neptune Theatre School and mental health programming.