MANITOUWADGE -- Manitouwadge Care Assistance Group is supporting patients in accessing treatment and care.
Clare Milks, co-chair of Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group, the organization started in 2007 when her and three friends, each of whom were touched by cancer in some way, came together to help organize the "Relay for Life Team." Today, Milks and Betty Oksanen are still serving on the MCAG.
In 2007, the original group, Clare Milks, Betty Oksanen, Debbie Ray, Darlene Tessier and Anne Williams, made up their first relay team and subsequently began talking about the holes that existed in the system for patients with cancer, who had to travel a least four hours in order to get their required treatment. They wanted to have a better system; they wanted to help in some way. As a result, they formed the Manitouwadge Care Assistance Group and 15 years later they are still going strong.
The Manitouwadge Care Assistance Group’s key goal is to support patients in accessing treatment and care. Milks spoke proudly about how, “with the help of their community residents, organizations within the community, and a special individual Steve Marcotte, has helped to raise over $300,000 over the past 15 years”.
Milks has known Marcotte all her life having grown up with him. “We grew up together, we’re from the same community and he was a cancer patient. Today he’s helping with paying it forward kind of actions.”
Clare said Marcotte decided to sell photos of scenes from the region to raise funds for the group. “It became such a well-received project that Steve found that he could not keep up with the demand, selling over 24 photos in a short period of time."
Today, Marcotte continues to work on this extremely popular and successful project.
Marcotte has posted his goal, on his Facebook page, to raise funds for the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group. “I’m putting together a fundraiser for the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group and am looking for your support. This amazing group of people volunteers their time to fundraise for those of us suffering from cancer.”
He had indicated that he’d like to “pay it forward” so that people in need have a fighting chance at beating cancer. Marcotte, as Milks has shared, has been printing and framing some of his favourite photos, and selling them to raise money for the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group. All the money he has raised has gone to this organization.
Milks said the group had two main organizations and events which are the backbone of their fundraising initiatives.
“We have a yearly event organized and hosted by the Manitouwadge Copper Kings, Alumni Hockey team. It was all started by a young man who brought together hockey players to form this Alumni Hockey Team. Every year for the past 13 years they host a hockey game just before Christmas to raise funds for the MCAG organization.”
This past Christmas represented the 13th year of hosting this hockey game. She was very excited to share that the event raised over $8,000. During that event they have a Silent Auction, a 50/50 draw and a “Chuck-a-Puck”, as well, they raffled off a TV.
The total amount raised for the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group at the Alumni Hockey Game was $8,160.
The second key group who has been there for the Manitouwadge Care Assistance Group is the “Share the Care Walk & BBQ”, held every Mother’s Day. Participants collect pledges in the weeks proceeding the walk, support by purchasing
These two groups have been there to help support the MCAG financially so that they can then help support cancer patients with travel costs and care needed.
No doubt the efforts by Marcotte, the Copper Kings Alumni Hockey Team, and the community involvement with the yearly “Share the Care Walk & BBQ” will continue to offer the important fundraising events needed to help give assistance to cancer patients in the Manitouwadge region.
