Manitoba’s Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group received $20,000, while Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation was presented with the remaining $13,021 from the ‘Curling for a Cure’ fundraiser in Minnedosa recently. This annual curling event raises money for cancer-related organizations like Candlelighters and Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation.
The Minnedosa fundraiser, Curling for a Cure, started in 2018 and has been successfully raising money for cancer-related organizations ever since. The group has already raised and distributed about $95,000 since its inception and plans to complete its target of raising $100,000 in its sixth year. The curling competition has 24 teams and is already 75% sold out for the 2025 tournament.
The Candlelighters support group received $13,000 last year and has recently received $20,000 in 2024. “We’re honoured to be chosen,” says Board Chair Naomi Fehr. “It shows they believe in what we do, and we are all volunteers with a passion to help people through their difficult journey.” The Curling for a Cure group has done an amazing job supporting Candlelighters and Cancer Care Manitoba. The $20,000 donation will cover various costs for families affected by cancer.
The Candlelighters support group has been aiding families of newly diagnosed patients with generous gift cards to help with groceries and fuel. The group also sends care packages to bereaved families to help with funeral costs. Additionally, the group provides weekly hot meals to the Children’s Cancer Ward so families can enjoy a fresh meal while staying with their child. Knowing that a hot meal is coming on Thursday makes hospital stays a little less dreadful for the families as it gives them something to look forward to.
Similarly, when a family receives a care package from the Candlelighters support group shortly after diagnosis, they don’t feel alone anymore, knowing that there is someone to support them through their struggles. The group also supports childhood cancer survivor high school graduates with care packages to motivate them to finish school.
Manitoba sees 50-55 childhood cancer diagnoses each year, and Fehr says the funds from initiatives like these have greatly benefited their organization in helping families facing childhood cancer.