The first Fight Cancer Friday barbecue outside Don’s Direct Deals brings in over $2,800 for Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS), and organizer Don Hales says he’s just getting started.
“The BBQ went really well. The support was awesome. The day was great,” notes Hales. “So everything turned out very, very well and Central Plains Cancer Service was very happy with the outcome.”
Held on June 6, the event welcomed more than 160 people, with all proceeds going directly to CPCS.
Community shows up for a cause that hits home
Hales shares that he’s deeply grateful for the turnout and says the strong support means the barbecues will continue.
“I was very happy with that number and with the turnout being so well, we are going to go ahead with another one probably in a month's time,” he adds.
Hales, who has faced his own cancer diagnosis this year, knows firsthand how vital CPCS is in the region.
“I think people are very happy to support that cause because it is a very important cause,” he continues. “Central Plains Cancer Services is doing a lot to support people going through cancer and cancer touches everybody.”
Hales confirms every dollar from the BBQ goes straight to the organization.
More Fight Cancer Fridays still to come
While the next date is still being finalized, Hales says it will likely take place in the third week of July.
Before signing off, Hales shares one more thought with the community.
“I just want to thank everybody for their huge support,” he says. “It is appreciated by both myself and Central Plains Cancer Services and look forward to doing another one again down the road.”
CPCS thanks community members, volunteers, and local partners
Central Plains Cancer Services thanked the community for making the event such a success, highlighting volunteers Grant Farncombe and Amy Chappellaz for collecting pledges, Nick Hourie for handling coin donations, and ARC Industries for doing all the cooking.
The organization also expressed special thanks to Don Hales for organizing the event and sharing his personal cancer journey.
“It takes a wonderful community to pull off such a successful fundraiser,” the organization noted in a social media post.
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