Kimberley residents are asked to come out to the Elks Hall this Friday, December 20 to help out a fellow resident, Jan Baker.
Friend Kayla Pendry says that Jan has been seeing deteriorating health for some years now and the prognosis is not good.
“Her doctor could not find a reason,” Pendry said. “When the truth was revealed at a moment of real crisis, it broke her doctor’s heart. She was rushed to Kelowna and hit hard and fast with treatments that were brutal. The doctors told her she now had to do all she could to regain strength and have happy times with her beloved family and friends.”
However, finding those happy times is difficult, Pendry says.
“Her partner Dean Boyles had stopped working because it had been obvious she was ill and could no longer cope without him at home. Needless to say, expenses ate up every penny of their savings earth-marked for future dreams. They now struggle on a small disability pension and whatever possessions Dean has been able to sell. Jan’s needs are now far exceeding any financial resources they may have had. In order for Jan’s strength to return, she needs warmth, comfort and only whole nourishing healthy foods. While visiting Jan and Dean I could feel how desperate the situation has become. The house is cold. Work must be done. Medical expenses are rising and eventually more in home help will be required.”
To help with the situation, friends have organized a fundraiser this Friday at the Elks Hall. It is a licensed event, so only 19 and older, please. Admission is by donation. Snack will be provided and there will be a silent auction with some great donated items.
The PaceMakers with Duncan McGilveray and great local band Sketch will provide entertainment.
If you wish to make a contribution please call Kayla at 250-427-1858 or Melody McArter at 250 427-5534. there is also a Jan Baker Trust set up at Kootenay Savings Credit Union.
“Please give from the heart,” Pendry said.