THUNDER BAY – There are people in Thunder Bay with a special spirit of community, and of giving back to our city. One of those individuals is Johnny De Bakker. As a part of the solid I Heart Tbay project which allows people to share their civic pride with the world, the Thunder Bay native literally wears his pride on his chest.
This past week, De Bakker has been at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre selling I Heart TBay products, taking time from his law career. Twenty per cent of the money raised going to the Volunteer Association at the Hospital.
Another of De Bakker’s efforts is an annual fund-raiser. The Ischkinakker Shaker is a fundraising event that was started in 2003 by Katie Ischkin and Johnny DeBakker, two local University students who were looking for a way to bring all of their friends together over the holiday season.
Katie andJohnny have always been actively involved in the community dedicating their time to promoting great opportunities for young people in Thunder Bay and showing that everyone can give back and help others. The Ischkinakker Shaker has raised funds for organizations such as Camp Quality, The Canadian Red Cross (Tsunami Relief), The Shelter House, Save a Heart Campaign (TBRHSC Foundation), the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, and the Thunder Bay chapter of the Canadian Kidney Foundation and the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Society. In total, the Ischkinakker Shaker has raised more than $50,000.
“Help us keep growing by supporting the Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Foundation and attend the 8th annual Ischkinakker Shaker!” is the message from Katie and Johnny.
You can purchase your ticket for this event, which will be held at the CLE on December 23rd starting at 8PM by contacting either johnny@ischkinakkershaker.com or katie@ischkinakkershaker.com by email.
You can also visit www.ischkinakkershaker.com or the Facebook site.