Epilepsy fundraiser hits close to home

ly starting a ketogenic diet for Raina. Raina is currently on four anti-seizure medications, CBD oil and the keto diet and she still has 6 to 8 seizures on average per day. Raina has low muscle tone (hypotonia) and has no head control at 17 months. She doesn’t feed orally and gets her nutrition through a G-Tube.

Now, the family is raising money for CURE Epilepsy and CHEO to support their daughter and others afflicted with epilepsy. Fundraising has begun and will run until July 16.

Throughout her commuting days she maintained the family home in Kemptville and as her parents grew older, she looked after them until they passed away. She continued her care of many others, both family and friends, on an as needed basis throughout the rest of her life. From providing drives and grocery runs for some, to providing a weekly cache of her famous homemade donuts to those near and far, Hattie was always there to provide a helping hand to those in need. After her retirement, Hattie was a frequent visitor at the local golf course (she became quite good at it) and enjoyed curling and bowling. It was well known that she enjoyed country music and on weekends she was likely to be found somewhere in North Grenville, enjoying one of the many music events available throughout the area. If it was strawberry season, though, she would be in the berry patch, first thing in the morning on opening day to get the best berries which she then shared with anyone who wanted them. The family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to the staffs of Bayfield Manor and Southbridge in Kemptville, whose many kindnesses and expert care extend well beyond the scope of their actual work. The kindness that Hattie extended to others throughout her life was returned ten-fold through their exceptional loving care to her when she needed it most. We are grateful beyond words.

Friends are invited to visit the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville on Wednesday June 28, 2023 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the Kemptville Chapel on Thursday June 29, 2023 at 11 am, followed by interment at the Oxford Mills Anglican Cemetery. A reception will follow at the St James Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please consider making a donation to an organization of your choosing that helps people in need.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435 hope the NG community will get behind our cause as well.”

Oxford Station, and Burritts Rapids. He is aiming to cycle at least 400 km, with sponsors donating a desired amount per kilometre.

An Oxford Mills father is spearheading an epilepsy fundraiser in support of his daughter, and he’s putting his bicycle where his mouth is to raise as much money as possible.

Brian Lafleur’s daugh- ter Raina started having seizures when she was just four months old. “As firsttime parents, we didn’t know that they were seizures at the time,” Brian told the Times. “After sharing some video with a pediatrician via online video conference, it was suggested that we go to CHEO to figure it out.”

An EEG scan in May of 2022 confirmed that Raina has migrating multifocal seizures, which Brian described as “the most devastating diagnosis we could have imagined.” Over the next few weeks, the family was in and out of the hospital repeatedly, trying different medications and ultimate-

Brian is using his experience as an avid cyclist to support the fundraising effort. In 2021, he rode 357 km in 1,000 minutes as a charity fundraiser. On July 15, beginning at 5am, Brian is going to attempt to ride as far as possible in 17 hours, traveling some of his favourite loops through communities such as Oxford Mills, Merrickville, Kemptville,

Brian is counting on the support of the community with his latest fundraising effort. “North Grenville is where we live, work and play,” he said. “We’ve been a part of this wonderful community since 2018, and have witnessed and participated in some wonderful fundraising initiatives, including a charity spin class at Get Kronk’d for Parkinson Canada. We

Want to help show your support? Those interested can purchase raffle tickets at a Popeyes Supplements location, and can also make a direct donation to the campaign by visiting this link: https:// shorturl.at/rvEHI. To support Raina’s parents with their out of pocket medical expenses, a separate GoFundMe campaign is underway and can be found at https://gofund. me/26f7da4e.

Travel Talk

Oh Canada! What a beautiful country are thee!

A magical place full of gracious people who love to welcome visitors with open arms. Adventure awaits you at Gros Morne National Park on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and glacial fjords. Take a trip to the capital city of St. John’s, visit the 17th century Signal Hill Citadel and explore the hillside walking trail.

featuring Scott Waldron and Diane Wilson

Canada, the true north, strong and free. When we think of traveling, our minds often drift to exotic and far away places, but in reality, we have some of the most beautiful vacation destinations right here in our own backyard. Here are our top 6 Canadian destinations.

1. Canadian Rocky Mountains

There is nothing more majestic than seeing the Canadian Rockies up close and personal. How about a family road trip that takes you to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Panorama or Whistler for a family ski trip?

Want to just relax and take in the scenery? Board the Rocky Mountaineer with its glass domed observation car for the best views and service available! If you’re flying into one of the many airports in British Columbia or Alberta, make sure you book that window seat to get one of the best views ever.

2. Quebec City Stunning architecture and history can be found in this beautiful city that dates back to 1608. Sitting on the Saint Lawrence River, the Château Frontenac Hotel is a must see. Explore the cobblestone streets and visit all the amazing little bistros and boutiques in the Petit Champlain district. During winter, visit the German Christmas Market and the grandiose Ice Hotel with a new theme every year, and February brings the Quebec Winter Carnival to life.

3. Vancouver Island, British Columbia Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is a must see when you visit the Island. There is something for everyone to do here, from stunning Butchart Gardens to high tea at the famous Empress Hotel, or for the more adventurous people, a whale watching tour out of the harbour. Explore and discover places like Nanaimo, Coombs and maybe even take a surfing lesson in Tofino.

4. Newfoundland

Letters to the Editor cont'd from page 8

Dear Editor, Regarding Mythunderstandings, Notes from above ground:

How do you know that God is a ‘he’? Does the ‘male’ prevail? Are they superior to the female if God is a ‘he’? I couldn’t imagine to presume what ‘God’ might be. Can anyone, honestly?

The Universe is beyond anything we could ever imagine or understand, so how could we begin to presume what a ‘God’ is or what his/her purpose could be? In ancient histories and mythologies (which are numerous), stories have abounded about ‘virgin’ births and various gods. How do Christians feel so strongly that what they believe is correct?

5. Niagara Falls, Ontario (Toronto)

Only a short drive from Toronto, the view of Niagara Falls is on most people’s bucket list. Visit the Fallsview Casino and see a show, enjoy a fantastic meal, and even try your hands at the slot machines. Niagara-OnThe-Lake is another stop you’ll want to make – this city offers quaint restaurants, boutiques, outstanding wineries and a must see yearround Christmas shop with fantastic gift options.

6. Churchill, Manitoba

It’s time to visit the Great White North and take in fascinating photographic opportunities capturing the Northern lights, bird watching, and maybe even get a close up shot of polar bears during a guided Polar Bear excursion. Memories that will last a lifetime!

Ready to explore our beautiful country? Go to www.gravitate.travel and click on the Let’s Talk icon on the top righthand side.

TICO # 50026003 709 RIDEAU STREET, UNIT 2 / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G1J0