A fundraiser for a sick child needs a bit more community support.
Mason Gariepy has been battling a rare form of leukaemia since August.
Sweethearts Cabaret, set to entertain guests Feb. 11, has sold about 100 tickets out of a possible 350.
“We’ve had a good outpouring from [businesses], we just need people to buy the tickets,” said Pam Shmyr, an organizer and friend of the child’s grandmother, Sharon Granrude.
Shmyr estimates that the six-year-old has spent one day out of the hospital since his diagnosis.
“He’s basically had chemo steady,” said Shmyr.
Mason is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant in Calgary on March 1, but he needs to build up his strength before the procedure can take place.
Granrude is a Melfort resident that Shmyr describes as a “community-minded lady. She helps out everybody, all the time. And this is one way we can give back to her.”
The cabaret aims to raise money for Mason’s parents, Gale and Jaret Gariepy, who live in Prince Albert.
“They have twin boys at home and life keeps going, whether they’re at the hospital or not. If we can alleviate a little bit of that worry, that’s what our goal is,” said Shmyr.
The evening’s entertainment includes an illusionist and a DJ. Dinner tickets are being sold for $35, but donations will be accepted for those who only want to attend the cabaret.
Shmyr noted local businesses have been generous. The City of Melfort donated the use of the Kerry Vickar Centre, a $1,200 cost.
“It’s going to be a really good time and it would be fabulous if we could fill the Kerry Vickar Centre.”Â
