THUNDER BAY — Hundreds of residents came out for a local fundraiser at the Townline Equestrian Centre on Sunday to support a young girl battling cancer.
Keira Rooney was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, at the young age of 14-years-old. Rooney is currently getting treatment at the SickKids Hospital in Toronto with her mom over the next eight to nine months.
Julie Grgurich, one of the owners of the Townline Equestrian Centre, hosted the all-ages fundraiser for Rooney from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. She said Rooney’s mother, Kelly, is one of their clients and teaches goat yoga at the centre.
“We found out that her daughter has cancer and so we thought, 'how can we come together as a community and do something for her and her family?' And so here we are,” said Grgurich.
Grgurich explained that the centre was holding an open house for the day.
“We have all kinds of things running. We have pony rides for the kids after 2 o’clock, we have goat yoga from 1 to 2 and then we have (an) open farm where you can wander around with your family, have hot chocolate and enjoy the farm,” said Grgurich.
She added that there are also tons of raffle prizes available.
“We got so many great prizes to give away today, so if you don’t come, you’re missing out on a lot of great stuff,” said Grgurich.
The fundraiser proceeds will help support Rooney and her mother while living in Toronto and away from work.
These donations will also help treat Rooney to books, music and experiences to keep her spirits up, according to her cousin Shelby Rooney’s GoFundMe page.
“We’re just looking forward to all the turnout from the community (and) the support we’ve gotten from all the local businesses,” said Grgurich.
One of these businesses included Ryden’s Border Store, which she added they also have to give credit to.
For Grgurich, the sky is the limit for the fundraiser and she said they’re “praying for a great turnout.”
“I think anything is better than nothing and we’re doing the best we can to do our part to help them in any way we can… here’s the fingers crossed that it does great,” said Grgurich.
Gate admission for the fundraiser is paid through a $10 donation and pony rides are $5.
Townline Equestrian Centre will also be taking donations that will go straight to the family — any local businesses or those who cannot attend but wish to donate can contact the centre by email.
Residents seeking more information about this fundraiser can visit the centre’s Facebook page.
