Kids Curing Cancer raises $30,000 for Hospice

By Mark Ribble

The anticipation of funds raised filled the air at the Hospice Erie Shores Welcome Centre on Tuesday, March 28 as the Baillargeon kids from Kids Curing Cancer made their second annual trip to the hospice to deliver good news.

That good news came in the form of a $30,039.88 cheque that had everyone in attendance emotional.

Last year’s donation by the same group was $8,234, which the folks from the Hospice Erie Shores Campus were grateful for.

This year’s amount was a surprise to everyone except the Baillargeons and their family, who all attended the unveiling in support of the cause.

Lauren Baillargeon, the oldest of the group, said that about $13,000 was raised through their annual pasta/music night fundraiser and the rest through cash donations and fundraisers they ran through Sweet Moments Bakery, South County Predators Hockey, Windsor Spitfires, Accurate Creations and What’s Poppin Popcorn.

The pasta and music night is their big event, held at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery every February up until COVID came calling. This year was their first year back in three years. The event features local musicians, including the Baillargeon family, who are all talented musicians, as well as a fabulous meal provided by the host, Sprucewood Shores.

“Today marks our 10th year for Kids Curing Cancer,” said Ty Baillargeon.

“It all started with wanting to raise $50.”

Lauren, Ty and Kierstyn Baillargeon began raising funds in 2014 when Lauren was nine, Ty and Kierstyn were four years old and their grandfather — Dan Gerard — was battling cancer.

They raised $3,860 that year and made the donation to the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, expecting it to be a one-time thing.

When the trio visited Leamington last year to present their cheque and donation, they vowed to raise even more for this year.

The surprise on the face of Health Foundation and Hospice officials was the payoff for the youngsters as they unveiled this year’s total.

Long-time Hogs for Hospice coordinator Joe Oswald was present for the announcement and was moved to tears.

“Thanks for making me cry,” he said to the Baillargeon kids. “That’s just amazing.”

The $30,039.88 brings the 10-year total to $116,599.88.

“Our goal this year was to break the $100,000 total,” said Lauren. “None of this would be possible without our Kids Curing Cancer family, which includes our sponsors, volunteers, friends and family.”

The Kids Curing Cancer donation to the Hospice Erie Shores Campus was a record $30,039.88 and presented on Tuesday, March 28 in front of the Hospice. From left are Tracy Oswald (Erie Shores Health Foundation), Gloria Cavenago (Erie Shores Health Foundation), Lauren Baillargeon, Ty Baillargeon, Kierstyn Baillargeon, Debbie Kobayashi (Erie Shores Health Foundation) and Brienne Mastronardi (Erie Shores Health Foundation). SUN photo