When Kat Briand and Danny Gallant found out that their newborn baby girl, Ryker, had cystic fibrosis just 10 days into her life, their initial shock and concern were soon overshadowed by worries.
How would they manage to work, pay bills, and transport their infant daughter to and from CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario), especially in the winter months?
Enter Kelly Allan, a friend and event-planner extraordinaire, who organized Rockin' for Ryker, a musical fundraiser, that was kicked off by North Bay favourites Gravitas, complete with a silent auction and bake sale. The event was graciously held free-of-charge by Briand's employers, Tom and Geoff Richardson, in the Summit Room, and was hosted by Mike Monaghan.
The goal was to raise enough money to purchase new winter tires and rims to make the trips to Ottawa safely. When Allmakes Auto's Tyler Hewitt heard of the couple's plight, he immediately arranged for a donation from the shop of winter tires, rims, as well as the installation and balancing of the tires.
The look on the couple's face when presented the gift by Hewitt was touching, bringing many to tears. Two days later, a still emotional Briand posted a thank you to all involved via the Rockin' for Ryker Facebook group page:
"We are blown away that so many people pulled together to help our family out in a time of need...A special thanks to Brad Martin, his family, and Allmakes Auto Service Plus for reaching out when they clearly have their own fight to fight. My thoughts are with you all, as they have been since the day of the accident and we certainly appreciate you paying the good karma forward."
Allmakes and all associated have taken a very personal approach in paying forward their thanks for the generosity and support of the public in the wake of Martin's accident. Earlier Sunday, the shop was the launch point for the Ride for Blood. For more on this event, and an update on Brad Martin's status from his brother Russell, click here.
