Help the Community Chest help others

The soul of a community rests in how it seeks to assist those who are most vulnerable.
Several years ago, it became obvious to a group of citizens that there was no system available to help a family in need. Patricia Reid required a liver transplant and the burden of expenses was heavy on the family.
Led by Linda Hamilton, George Blanc, and many others the Community Chest came into being. An annual dinner was created with the proceeds going to the Community Chest. Volunteers from the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Knights of Columbus and the staff of LaPLace Rendezvous and suppliers created a wonderful meal. Local artisans donated auction prizes.
The Spirit of Christmas came on board, and the proceeds from that annual event went to the Community Chest.
The Community Chest holds many fund raising events throughout the year. It has grown and now annually doles out between $50,000 and $60,000 to families across the district who have to travel to Toronto for medical treatment.
The family who the Community Social and Benefit is being hosted for wishes to remain anonymous. Most families do with the Community Chest.
This Friday night another community celebration is taking place for the Community Chest. It is to help another family who are facing daunting financial costs for medical treatments. A different group of volunteers has risen to the challenge of helping friends and family. Three bands, Mud Lake City Boys, Centre Line and Phoenix Project will play in the Sportsplex Auditorium in Fort Frances.
Ross’ Camp, Grassy Narrows Lodge, Camp Narrows Lodge, Hanson’s King Island Lodge and KaBeelo Lodge have donated fishing packages that are being auctioned. Out of area people can bid on those trips by going to Ebay and searching out “fishing trip for charity”.
There are other silent auctions, and draws planned for Friday night. You will even be able to bid for the trips on line at the social. The auctions end at 11:30 CDT Friday night.
All proceeds will go to the Community Chest to help district families.
The “Community Chest” acts quickly. The turn around to help a family can be less than a day. The chests expenses are minimal. The “Chest” is extremely proactive often seeking out families and letting them know of the support network that has been created in the district within days of a diagnosis.
Volunteers work behind the scenes, knowing that being part of the community means helping someone or a family in need. The volunteers receive no remuneration, other than knowing that families have benefited from their work.
Tickets are only $15 and even if you can’t attend, I encourage you to buy one and help support families in need.

–Jim Cumming,
Publisher