Clarke Heipel never imagined how big his Run for the Cure fundraiser would go.
The YourTV reporter started a Run for the Cure team to help raise money in support of Brittany Bortolon, a local CTV reporter who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at only 26 years of age.
The event went off with great success on Sunday with close to $4500 raised through the team named Brittany's Bevy.
At the police board meeting Tuesday, Heipel came to thank the police association who jumped on the idea after seeing a news story about Brittany.
"They got the ball rolling for sure for fundraising when Mr Northrup stepped up for the North Bay Police Association as well as a personal donation and that made me really think we can really do something with this," said Heipel.
Aaron Northrup, the police association president, was the one who made the two donations.
"I have known Brittany for a few years, she's a great kid and with the association, we have a substantial charity account and cancer affects everybody and that is why I reached out to Clarke to give a donation from the North Bay Police Association for $500 and hopefully it helps the cause and the cure," said Northrup.
See related: North Bay reporter opens up about her battle with breast cancer
Heipel says the news of Brittany's cancer really hit him hard. He knew he had to do something to help and the community has rallied around her.
"It really signifies how we feel about Brittany and right now she has to put her life on hold when she should be here covering news events that she does a great job at doing but right now she has to take time off work and it is very hard to accept that," said Heipel.
Heipel says he is not done helping out his news colleague as he hopes to see her healthy and back to work in the new year.
