Cuddles for Cancer
Cuddles for Cancer was created six years ago, with the purpose of providing warmth, comfort & love to cancer patients as they go through their treatments. Since that day, more than 4,000 Cuddle Blankets have been made and they have been sent to more than thirty countries around the world.
Faith Dickinson, now 16, believes that “everyone deserves a cuddle”, so Cuddle Blankets are given to anyone in need of a “cuddle”. This includes people suffering from other illnesses, diseases, those grieving and a signature blanket for our Canadian soldiers and veterans.
The Youth Council was created three months ago, with the hopes of including youth and giving them the opportunity to get more involved with Cuddles for Cancer. Eight youth joined and they come from Toronto, Oshawa, Napanee, Lakefield and Peterborough. They are in grades 6 through12.
They work hands on, in all areas of Cuddles for Cancer. When Faith suggested having a winter luncheon fundraiser, they all jumped on board and fully committed to making the Christmas Tea & Luncheon a huge success. They were able to raise $5,000 in the two hour event, held on Saturday, December 15th, at the Lakefield Legion, which generously donated the hall.
The Christmas Tea & Luncheon included both a silent and live auction, and included many donations from the local community. “Cuddles for Cancer wouldn’t be where it is today, without the ongoing support of the community. They have always been very generous and encouraging of Cuddles and myself,” says Faith.
The High Tea included scrumptious scones made by The Pin, delicious finger sandwiches, tea and coffee generously donated by the Country Style on Chemong Street. The tea also included a white chocolate and raspberry cake, made by M & M. The event was sponsored by Leon’s Peterborough and Century 21, Lakefield Broker Mike Dickinson.
Seventy people attended and the Youth Council hopes to offer the Christmas Tea & Luncheon again next year, making it an annual event. Next year the goal is to have 100 attendees.
Faith Dickinson
