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Kimberley comes together for Jenna

Fundraiser brings in over $12,000 for Jenna Homeniuk
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Dave Wesche lost his beard and son Noah

The Chop Your Locks fundraiser at the Sully Pub for Kimberley student Jenna Homeniuk, who is in Calgary receiving treatment for leukemia, raised $12, 855, and organizer Shari Lamarche couldn’t be happier.

The Sully was packed last Saturday night as those willing to lose their hair, and those willing to pay to see it, gathered to support and raise funds for Jenna and her family.

Jenna, along with her mother, has been in Calgary since last August when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She has since had a bone marrow transplant and is growing increasingly stronger. Currently she is at Ronald Macdonald House in Calgary receiving outpatient treatment. The good news is that if her immune system continues to recover, she will be home to Kimberley in April, in time for her sixteenth birthday.

Her drugs, however, are tremendously expensive, and with mom Paula Thomas being unable to work all these months as she stayed with her daughter, continued support is needed.

As always, Kimberley didn’t disappoint, Lamarche said.

“When I was standing on stage you could feel the energy from the room — it was pure joy — everyone coming together for a common purpose,  to support a wonderful young lady and her family. Everyone had a big smile on their face,” she said.

Individuals such as Brenda Birrell raised $3500, and father son team of Dave and Noah Wesche raised $2885, the last $500 coming from patrons when Noah spontaneously decided to join his dad if $500 could be raised (it quickly was).

“I am so grateful to everyone who helped out in this event, especially the participants who were brave enough to shave their heads and faces,” Larmarch said. “Thank you everyone for your continued support of this wonderful family.

“Special thank you to, Wolfy’s Hair Den , The Sully Pub, The Green Door, as well a thank you to Got Adventure, Kootenay Knitting and New Image who donated wonderful door prizes. A great big thank you to the Rotary Club of Kimberley for selling $3000 in 50-50 tickets. Of that money, $2250 went back to Jenna thanks to people who won donating it back to the cause. Jenna will be donating a portion of the monies raised to the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary, they have been a wonderful support to Jenna’s family while she has been in Calgary.”



Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
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