2024-02-07
Local entrepreneur selling products to raise money for BMO’s Ride For Cancer
FIRST SOUTH - Young Hunter Fleet is once again selling scrunchies and more this year to help fundraise in support of his BMO Ride for Cancer that takes place in Halifax Sept. 28.
The 10-year-old began raising money, through scrunchy sales which he makes himself, a couple of years ago to support his aunt, Christine Clark who was taking part in the event.
He wanted to raise money "to help people that have cancer," despite not knowing anyone directly that has the deisease.
Last year he raised $1,000 and was set to take part in the ride himself, but due to a hurricane just prior to the event, the ride was cancelled. Organizers, however, were able to host a celebration with all of the participants.
This year, he is hoping to ride his bike (25 km trail) and fundraising by selling scrunchies, bags, dog bandanas, keychains in hopes of raising $1,500.
Throughout the year, you can find him at local markets (his first of 2024 will be at the Frost Fair in Bridgewater Feb. 10 at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), or this year he has a Facebook page (Hunter's Scrunchies).
"I'm so proud of Hunter and the compassion he has shown towards the Ride for Cancer fundraising efforts. Hunter has worked so hard to help fundraise over the last couple years and shows ongoing determination to keep raising funds for local cancer care," said his mother, Shana in an email.
"It's great to see the community support him and he's hopeful to reach his fundraising goal again this year."
Fleet, a Grade 4 student at Bayview School makes his own scrunchies and for the rest, gets some help from his mom, nan and aunt.
Why scrunchies? "They are just easy to make," he said.
The name of the team (that involves himself, aunt and a friend) is Saltwater Cowboys. Along with purchasing one of his items, you can also straight-up donate to his personal BMO Ride for Cancer page at:
https://fundraise.yourrideforcancer.ca/s/3772/7569/e.
This year, all money raised will go to support biopsy technology for the QEII hospital.
The BMO Ride for Cancer is Atlantic Canada's largest cycling fundraising event that allows cyclists of all skill levels to take part. Rides range from 25 kms in length to 160 kms.
Since 2015, the event has raised $10.2 million to help build a centre of excellence in cancer care at the QEII.
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and about one in four will die for the disease, according to a study found on Canada.ca, released in 2021.
