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Special Presentation by Taylor Scott and Family to the Ronald McDonald House Charities
Wednesday March 31, 2016
COMMUNITY NEWS
presenting cheque
Taylor Scott
l-r Colleen Buckley (Sarnia McDonalds), Patrice Katsiroumbas (Ronald
McDonald House Charities
Southwestern Ontario),
Taylor's Mom Christine,
Brother Logan, Blake Morrison
(teacher)
standing behind Mike Johnson
(Sarnia McDonalds) and Taylors Dad
Ian
At St. Pat's
Secondary School Taylor Scott
along with her family were happy
to present the Ronald McDonald
House Southwestern Ontario with
a cheque in the amount of
$5,500.00. The
amount was the result of St.
Pat's
fundraiser hockey game between
the students and teachers held
on February 19 in honour of
Taylor.
"The game between the boys
hockey team and the teachers was
the idea of the boys hockey team
which Taylor's brother Logan is
a part of." said
Teacher Blake Morrison who
helped co-ordinate the
fundraiser event.
"The school body and community
got behind the idea and
the principal was entirely
supportive of it and allowed it
to be in the concept of a buyout
where kids donated $5.00 to get out of
school a bit early."
Morrison explained how the funds
were raised.
"The original idea was to raise
a few hundred bucks to give to
the family to help with the
expenses they were incurring
going up and down the highway to
London for Taylor’s chemo
treatments."
When
Taylors parents Christine and
Ian were approached with the idea that
the fundraiser was being held
in honour of their daughter to
help with expenses they asked that the
monies be donated to the Ronald
McDonald House with who they are
very grateful for the service
they provide.
"Right now we are at the Ronald
McDonald house probably three
weekends every month." said
Taylor's Mother Christine "We
usually arrive on a Friday and
come home Sunday or Monday so
it’s really comforting to know
the house is right across the
parking lot. It’s a two minute
walk so I can stay with her as
late as I need to and then I can
walk 2 minutes across the
parking lot and spend the
evening there."
The event was a success in that
not only did they raise the
hopeful few hundred bucks but
the total grew as word of the
event spread around the
community.
"With the help of local media,
social media and word of mouth the event grew."
Morrison said " Approximately
450 students attended the event
along with supporters from the
community. I'm told by the
arena staff that there was
probably 600 people in
attendance."
Morrison added his thanks to
several outside supporters and
main contributors.
"Individual donations were the
backbone of that donation but
there were many local business
that contributed." Morrison said
and made special mention of a
few who contributed.
"Wight Bus Lines
donated 10 buses that
transported the students to the
arena. The Bluewater Referees
donated their time at no cost
and also made a donation of
$250.00. The Fire Fighters of
Sarnia C platoon came over
during the game and donated
$150.00 and just recently the Pacers
Lacrosse of
which Taylor’s older brother
Logan is a player donated
$500.00. We also received many
other donations from other local
business and individuals that we
are so thankful for."
Patrice
Katsiroumbas a representative of
the Ronald McDonald House
Charities Southwestern Ontario
was happy to accept the donation
from Taylor.
"We
have people within all
communities from as far away as
Waterloo and Windsor that have
come to stay at the house."
Katsiroumbas said "Donations
help keep the costs to the
families low so they can be by
their children's bedsides as
they go through some pretty
difficult treatments. It would
actual cost over $200.00 for a
family if they were going to
stay and do it on their own but
we charge them $10.00 a night no
matter what. So we are taking
on the burden that they have
food to eat and a place to stay
so they don’t have to worry
about that."
"Every little bit will help keep
the families staying at the
house." said Katsiroumbas on how
important large or small
fundraisers like bake sales and
lemonade stands are important.
Raising funds is not the only
way to support the Ronald
McDonald House. The
organization is also looking for
people to volunteer their time
at the house and Katsiroumbas
encourages people to visit their
website to learn more of the
opportunities.
www.rmhswo.ca
"For
me and being part of the
co-ordination of the event, the
whole thing as been a real
experience, watching how the
community gathers around and
supports a fantastic cause."
Morrison said
"This was all done for Taylor.
Taylor has gone through this
battle that she’s winning and
she will be the ultimate
victor."
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