Tweedsmuir Parent Council rallies to a cause

6-year-old Matthew Fairbarn rolls up his sleeves to help out his friend Kayla.

It is a call every parent dreads, the school is calling to say their child is sick, and for the Leblond family that call came Tuesday, September 4th.

Tweedsmuir Public School Grade 2 student Kayla Leblond didn’t feel well the first day of school, so the school sent her home, within the week Leblond was diagnosed with Leukemia and at Sick Kids in Toronto for treatment.

Moved by the Leblond family circumstances and witnessing their children’s reaction the situation the school’s school advisory council jumped into action and hosted a fundraising car wash to help the family out with unexpected expenses.

“It’s a very sad story. I know her mom is staying at the Ronald McDonald House,” explains council member Jerry Fairbarn.

“But there is a cost involved with that.”

With just 2 days notice the council, staff and students all pulled together to host the event that raised $1,800 and opened a trust fund at TD Canada Trust.

Both Dayle and Jerry Fairbarn say they are overwhelmed by the support of the community for rallying to the cause. They also acknowledged the North Bay Police Force Platoon 2, and the U-Need-A-Cab fleet for getting a car wash as well as the folks who stopped by to offer a donation and words of support for Kayla.

The council released the note of thanks below.

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The Tweedsmuir Public School Advisory Council would like to thank everyone who came out on Saturday to support our Car Wash for Kayla event. With the generous support of our Tweedsmuir families and the community at large, we were able to raise $1800 for Kayla and her family!

Throughout the event, the energy and enthusiasm held strong in the midst of a beautiful day full of sunshine and hope. Hundreds of people stopped by to offer their support and words of encouragement for Kayla and her family.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and those who stopped by to get their vehicles washed, you made this event a success!!!

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