From the Desk of … Jocelyn Lamont
Here we are, the beginning of September and it seems summer has arrived! While the weather hasn’t been the greatest these past few months, things here at Candlelighters having been humming along as we gear up for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in and amongst all the activities and events that have taken place.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Tour Nortel this year and acknowledge the Dream Team of Hannayah, Charles, and Kayla. Always a good time had by all who cycle and/or volunteer for this event.
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May saw the Industry Canada CyberKids tournament move to a new week/new date, but the Canadian was the swinging place to be as Pierre Gravel and his crew put on another spectacular golf day. Raising $10,200 this year, the folks over at Industry have raised in excess of $45,000 over the years to help make CyberKids one of our most viable programs. Sincere thanks to the sponsors, golfers, volunteers as well as the Seabrooks. I had the good fortune of being re–united with my friend Daryl from out east, who came up from Halifax (Mr. Tips, as I call him) and the man himself PG. Our foursome was complete with Michel Gagnon of HDS and together we shared in a fun–filled day. (check out the pix at www.candlelighters.net)
On Thursday May 29, ABI hosted a “Spring Social”, featuring the Objects of Beauty silent auction. Candlelighters very proudly was invited to include a number of watercolour originals, painted in the Smiling Siblings Watercolour Workshops. Between those pictures and the ceramics there surely were many objects of beauty! We are truly grateful for all the support we receive from Advanced Business Interiors, a truly wonderful partner. Special thanks to Chris and Erin Phillips who joined the festivities.
Before we knew it, the 5th Annual Chipping In For Charity Golf Tournament was upon us. My favourite day of the year! What a celebration we had that day as we announced that over $200,000 has been raised through this event over the five years. Mayor Larry O’Brien joined us for dinner and extended congratulatory remarks. So many people to thank – the fabulous organizing committee of Guy, Roger and Darlene; the outstanding staff I am fortunate to work with – Tamsin, Patti and Jason; Jennifer for all her help with our table thank–you’s and Kate DeGrace. $71,000 raised in support of Candlelighters this year. Please visit www.chippinginforcharity.com and have a look at the day!
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Our friends at SPIN hosted their first annual golf tournament on Friday June 6th. It was the perfect day for a wonderful event, my very first morning t–off tournament! I was the lucky girl who received $10,000 that day for Candlelighters, which includes three thousand from Enterprise Car Rental that Melanie presented me with – or should I say “surprised” me with during the lunch. I am delighted that SPIN will be supporting Candlelighters at their various events coming up this year and that I will have ongoing opportunity to work with them. Thanks SPIN!
Orleans Villa and St. Joseph Manor Retirement Residences hosted their yearly Positively Outrageous Event on June 7th . Thank you Marcelle, Diane, the volunteers and especially the residents who participated in the charity walk.
I was very privileged to be invited to join Blair Patacairk and the Dell team at the OBJ 40 under 40 awards on June 19th at the Hilton Lac Leamy. The evening is truly inspiring and our congratulations go to those winners with whom we have had the fortunate opportunity to work with – Blair Patacairk, Denis Shank, Marc Dufresne, Steve Ryan, and Kimothy Walker.
Okay, so I can shout. For those of you who know me, you know I can shout. Been known to have raised my voice a couple of times. Usually when cheering on our Ottawa Senators, but shouting none the less. Imagine that as part of a team, my job is to shout at everyone. Unbelievable, but true. The Ottawa Dragon Boat festival was a tremendous success and I am extremely proud to have been the “drummer” in our boat. What a terrific experience that was. We had a great team – thank you all. Very thrilling to shave a few seconds off our first race time as we crossed the finish line of race number two. Next year our goal is to race on day 2! Thanks to all our paddlers – to Tamsin, Jason, Bec for all their hard work in preparation and on race day and to Chris and everyone at DragonBoat. And for the support we received from our friends in the community, Chris and Erin Phillips, Yasir Naqvi, Max Keeping … thank you. We are so appreciative of all you do for Candlelighters!
What do you call 144 women, out in the wide open outdoors on a day exclusively for them? The Hot Women’s Open! Our thanks to Hot 89.9 for hosting this fabulous golf day in support of Candlelighters. Sab, Theresa, Jenny and I didn’t have the longest drive or the closest to the pin, but we’re pretty sure we had the most fun!
In addition to sending out a great big thank you to Carolyn Barkley for all her hours of organizing, I want to thank Jason for participating in the Travis Dumoulin Tournament this year on behalf of Candlelighters. We are very proud to be the recipient charity of this annual memorial tournament.
Interested in a neat team building exercise? Talk to our friends at Canada Post. Mike Badour rallied his troops into raising more than $3500 in just days, and they all really seemed to enjoy themselves. Thank you to Canada Post and thanks Kate, for joining me at the lunch.
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It is my distinct privilege to share with you the news that this year’s Tori Carswell Tournament raised $37,400!!! Thank you so much to Paul and Kim Carswell. Through this tournament, Candlelighters is so fortunate to have Tori’s Helping Hand, which many of you may know provides funds for patients in the palliative stages of their journey with childhood cancer. Additionally, THH supports families who travel for bone marrow transplant and treatments in other treatment centres. Paul, Kim and all your friends and family who help you put on this event – THANK YOU! And to Bryce … maybe next year? I think I must have brought you the luck last year, so I’ll plan on making it in 2009 so you can re–coup your title!
The office is a whirlwind of activity as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month quickly approaches. Please check our website at www.candlelighters.net frequently throughout the month as we continue in our effort to raise awareness and understanding about childhood cancer and its impact on the patients and on the families.
Thank you, and look for our regular newsletter in December.
Jocelyn Lamont