THUNDER BAY – Apparently, a lot of people in Thunder Bay have a sweet tooth. And that’s a good thing – at least for kids in the Pediatric Unit of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. In the past year, $12,225 has been raised through sales of small bags of candy, priced at $1 each, through the ‘Candy for Peds’ fundraiser. Proceeds from the sales will purchase new toys and other fun equipment for the Pediatric Unit.
Liz and Mario Nucci are the brains behind ‘Candy for Peds’. They started out with a goal of raising $10,000, and are thrilled that they surpassed it.
People in Thunder Bay have a Sweet Tooth
“We wanted to do something to make the hospital experience more enjoyable for kids,” said Liz. “Having volunteered for a few years in the Pediatric Unit, I knew there was a high demand for toys and other activities to help pass the time.”
All the candy in the bags was donated by the Nucci family. Liz, along with friends Zach Harnden and George McKay were responsible for putting together the bags – which took hours of work, much of it spent tying ribbons. Grandfather Anton Kolic was the official Treasurer and was responsible for counting all of the money.
Of course none of the candy sales would have been possible without the support of local vendors who agreed to place baskets of candy in their stores.
“We are so grateful to local businesses that have supported the ‘Candy for Peds’ fundraiser,” said Mario. “Liz and I couldn’t have done this ourselves – and we are so pleased with how receptive everyone has been.”
Businesses that sold the candy include: A to Z Rentals, Maltese Groceries, Country Fresh Meats (Regina Ave), Papa Piccolino’s Pizza, Nucci’s Bake A Deli, George’s Market, Celebrations, Seasons Gift Shop, Persian Man, Blooms and Baskets, Bennett’s Bakery, CIBC Red River Road, Lowery’s, Lowery’s Printing and Graphics, Metro (River St), Shoppers Drug Mart (Red River Rd) and Home Outfitters.
Looking back, Liz and Mario contribute much of the fundraiser’s success to Thunder Bay’s charitable spirit. “It’s amazing to see how such a small thing can make a big difference,” said Mario.
