THUNDER BAY – Health – For 4 years now, a group of women in Geraldton have organized a Greenstone Girls Night Out fundraiser with women from Geraldton, Longlac and Nakina. The women gather at the Geraldton Curling Club to dance, laugh and have a good time to raise money for the Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign, in support of Tamarack House.
Organizer Maureen Cyrenne has been in charge of the event for the past three years. “We know people from Greenstone who have had to use Tamarack House,” she says. “We have heard firsthand what a comfort it is for them to have a wonderful place like this to stay at when they have to be away from home for cancer treatment.”
One of these people is Nicole Lafontaine, a cancer patient who was staying at Tamarack House when Maureen and planning committee member Christine Gillis came to Thunder Bay with their Girls Night Out donations.
Nicole has travelled back and forth many times from her home in Geraldton for treatment. Each time she has stayed at Tbaytel Tamarack House. “I don’t know what we’d do without this place,” says Nicole. “I love it. Everyone is so nice, welcoming and relaxed. I share stories with people and get helpful tips from other gals who have gone through the same treatment as me.”
Girls Night Out always has a breast cancer theme. Last year and this year, artistic breast casts, painted by local artists, have been auctioned off. The event also raises money through raffles and draws, including a draw for Queen of the Evening, which allows the winner to cut first in line for drinks, raffle and draw tickets and, as most women would appreciate, the bathroom.
This year the event raised $9,101, bringing the 4-year total to $25,311.
The Girls Night Out organizers also donated one of last year’s artistic breast casts to Tamarack House. The Masquerade-themed cast was painted by seven local artists and is now on display on the fireplace mantle in the dining room as a reminder of the generous donors who have supported and continue to support Tamarack House.
100% of donations to the Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign stay in Northwestern Ontario to support exceptional cancer care diagnosis, treatment and research here, close to home.
To view the Girls Night Out Facebook, visit the link from our Facebook page at facebook.com/healthsciencesfoundation.
