Finally, after four years, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group (CCCSG) held their annual family camp for the first time since 2019. Usually held in Portage la Prairie, the annual family get together weekend was held in Winkler.
CCCSG Volunteer Board Chair Naomi Fehr described a bit of the weekend.
"We met in Winkler at the Days Inn and it was a fantastic weekend. We had 27 families all affected by childhood cancer or blood disorders who are also treated with chemotherapy. It was a wonderful weekend. We were just over a hundred people. We had a fun filled weekend. Of course, there's some emotional moments as well, but overall, it was fantastic."
While lots of fun was scheduled into the fun-filled weekend, there was time for parents to connect on a deeper level.
"Saturday morning, we had different sessions planned for the families. We had zero to seven kids being looked after by one volunteer. And we had the eight to 12, and then we have a group for the teens as well. And then, we have a parent session as well, where they're together in a room and they just sit and share their stories and connect with other parents that have gone through something similar. They share their joys, and they share the hard stuff as well, a lot of friendships and bonds are made through that session."
Friday night, people in Winkler might have been wondering why there were fireworks going off in the Peavy Mart parking lot. Fehr thanked Dave Hildebrand for the show, it was a highlight of the weekend for sure.
"The fireworks were amazing. The kids were screaming, traffic was stopped. There was a lot going on there. Heather's Pretty Parties showed up with Batman, Spider Man, Wonder Woman and Supergirl. The kids are super pumped about seeing superheroes, as our theme was superheroes because that's what these kids are."
Fehr said they were grateful for the local heroes for coming out as well.
"During the day also, we had the Winkler Fire Department come with one of their trucks and Winkler Police also sent two officers. with their vehicles so that the kids could climb into the vehicles and speak over the loudspeaker and put on some cuffs, have some fun."
She recognized the many supporters of the organization, from especially the Pembina Valley, who contribute to the cause in a big way, making events like this possible.
"Part of what we want is for families to connect with other families who are going through something similar. You know, you can talk to anybody about it, but there's few people who actually understand what you're going through and can compare stories and be there for each other in ways that other people can't really.
We see amazing bonds made through weekends like this. We have kids in their 30s that met in the teen group that are still best friends. And so, stuff like that is exactly the reason why we do what we do."
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