When the compelling tale of Maddox Flynn made the news about two weeks ago, the Leadership students at W.D. Cuts were listening. They heard a call for help and they immediately jumped on board.
As principal Mike Tod put it, "The kids are always looking for something to dig their teeth into."
Two-year-old Flynn was born with a large lymphatic growth called a cystic hygroma on his face. It caused bone damage, difficulties with eating and speaking and affected his sight. Because he needed specialized care to treat the problem, his parents were forced to search out a doctor in New York and then deal with the hefty price tag: $50,000 USD, not including travel and accommodations, for each of two operations. Without any clear sign that Alberta Health will approve coverage for the expenses, Maddox's parents had no choice but to ask for the public's support.
The Leadership group immediately set up a string of fundraisers to go to a trust fund. They did everything from Dilly bar and bake sales to sponge fights to raffling off the chance to be vice-principal for a day to selling tickets so that students could bring cellphones and mp3 players into class. Assistant principal JoAnn Blachford said that the money just flowed in.
"The kids just jumped on it. They were so excited. It's been quite touching to see the humanity involved."
A final total wasn't available but she said it was more than $1,500.
To learn more about Maddox's treatment and recovery or to offer help, please visit maddoxsjourney.blogspot.com or go to 'Maddox Flynn's Medical Journey' on Facebook.
Gazette Pancake Breakfast helps food bank fight shortfall
Hundreds of flapjack-loving community members braved the rain on Saturday morning to get their teeth into the first St. Albert Gazette Pancake Breakfast at Lions Park. The food was hot and free and in return attendees showed their love right back with non-perishable food and cash donations for the St. Albert Food Bank.
The agency's executive director gave a huge thanks to the city for its support.
"We never missed a beat in getting our donations. We depend on the Rainmaker [food drive]."
She said that approximately 190 kg and more than $450 were brought in. That money, she said, equals enough milk for more than 230 people.
The breakfast was sponsored in the past by the St. Albert Host Lions Club. If you are interested in learning more about the club, call 780-459-4144. To show support to the food bank, call 780-459-0599.
