A new not-for-profit seeks to help individuals and their families with needed finances that arise with someone gets seriously ill.
Kimmunity Angels Society asks others to “show compassion with action, give to your community” with the mission “to promote quality of life for seriously ill individuals and their families by providing financial assistance for medical treatment, medical expenses and equipment or supplies.”
And the money stays in the community here.
Started this fall by Donna Slavik, the society is named in honour of her friend of more than 25 years, Kim Kaye, who’s battling brain cancer, and who inspired Slavik with what she’s gone through while being ill and how inspiring the community was in helping her out.
Several fundraisers were organized for her and Slavik discovered that Kaye wasn’t alone with her financial troubles.
“People would come up and share their stories,” said Slavik. “I was really astounded that it’s not uncommon. That’s where I came up with the idea of let’s start a society and here we are.”
When you’re in Vancouver or Kelowna for six weeks of medical treatment, it’s pretty hard on the bank account when you’re not working, have no benefits and you’re living off what you have, she added. If people need money for a flight, can’t pay their rent, need a wheelchair or whatever their need is, that’s what the money will be used for, she said.
To kick off the fundraising, the society has organized a scavenger hunt that’s not a typical one.
“I’ll give you a hint: one of the clues is to find a uniformed RCMP officer and sing a Christmas carol [to that officer],” said Slavik. “Just fun things like that, and stuff to make you laugh and have fun.”
It’s for everyone: families and groups of friends who want to put together a team with a maximum of five people or individuals who want to scavenge on their own, and hopefully will become an annual event, she added.
Future fundraisers include comedian Ian Bagg, who was here last year, returning for a show and a Valentine’s masquerade ball.
And as for the society’s namesake, Kim Kaye, Slavik says she’s doing well.
“She’s got a good outlook and is appreciating and enjoying every day she’s got,” she said.
Kimmunity Angels Society hosts Santa’s Scavenger Hunt from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 20 in the Skeena Mall. Prizes awarded for Best Christmas-Themed Costume, First Place (team to finish first with the most scavenger items). All participants entered in a grand prize draw. For more details, contact Donna at 250-635-5564 or email give@kimmunityangelssociety.ca.