Grande Prairie residents headed to Aspen Grove School in droves on Saturday to help out any way they can. All to raise money for the Children’s Stollery Hospital in the memory of 4-year-old Kara MacLellan, who passed away in May after a lengthy battle with cancer. Front row centre to help serve and lend a hand was Kara’s sister, which meant the world to her mom.
“She was with Kara in the Stollery quite a bit so she understands all the kids that are there. You don’t really realize how many kids go in and out of Oncology until you’re there,” said Erin MacLellan.
“We feel very supported by our friends, neighbours, and family so it’s wonderful that Cyndi and the kids wanted to do this, they loved Kara,” she added.
Organizers say they tried to tailor the event to show off all the things Kara, who would have turned five in August, loved the most.
“She loved ice cream, her mom said that was one of her favourite things. We [also] did cupcakes with themes and toppers around some of her favourite things, in memory of her,” said Cyndi Gross.
Gross adds she was thrilled to see the neighbourhood come together for the MacLellan family, adding she can’t imagine what they’ve gone through over the last few months.
“My heart just aches and hurts for them, they’re a great family and I’ve been very moved and impressed by the strength that they have and have shown through this.”
The fundraising goal was set for $500 for the day, but two online donations and several large in-person donations put that goal in the rearview mirror just an hour after they started.
