Recognizing a community member during Relay for Life

Lending a hand
Russell High School’s annual Baskets For event raised funds for Nicky Caldwell this year. The money will help Nicky and his family as they battle his brain cancer. RHS teacher Kimberly MacKinnon presented the cheque to the family on Fri., May 25 during the RHS Relay for Life kick-off. From left, Joanne Lord, Kimberly MacKinnon, Nicky Caldwell and Rob Caldwell.     Sawyer Helmer photo

Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Villager Staff
RUSSELL – Russell High School held their annual Relay for Life event on Fri., May 25. During the opening ceremony, teacher Kimberly MacKinnon gave the opening address.

MacKinnon is the organizer of the Baskets For, fundraiser event that has helped members of the Russell community and community organizations over the last four years. Since the inaugural year, Baskets For has raised just over $4,000.

This year’s recipient was Mother Teresa Catholic School student Nicky Caldwell. Caldwell was diagnosed in January with inoperable brain cancer. Since his diagnosis he has undergone six rounds of chemo. Soon he will start his radiation treatments. In that time his tumour has shrunk down to the size of a pea, said MacKinnon.

MacKinnon was choked up during her speech. Caldwell, a good friend of her son, is an inspiration in the community. To give back and help out, the Baskets For event for 2018 aimed to raise money to help Nicky’s family pay for parking, overnight stays in Ottawa while attending CHEO, groceries and anything else that could make life a little easier.

Before presenting the guest of honour with the cheque, MacKinnon asked the crowd to watch a tribute video to Nicky and the Baskets For event. The fundraising continued for a few days after the main Alumni game event and raised $1,050 for Nicky and his family.