The first annual Melfort Believe in the Gold Walk took place in 2020.(Facebook/Mavis Durelll)

By Angie Rolheiser

Believe In the Gold

Melfort woman organizing second walk for childhood cancer

Sep 14, 2021 | 3:31 PM

For the second year in a row, a Melfort woman is organizing a walk to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.

Mavis Durell’s granddaughter Zarah who is now six years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 14 months old.

Zarah did three years of chemotherapy and is now in the clear, Durell still feels it is important to support the development of new medications for children with cancer.

“The families with kids with cancer need all the support they can get and with COVID, I know it has been hard on charities,” Durell said. “I feel it is important to lend a hand when we can.”

Durell has been collecting pledges at the Melfort Mall over the past couple of weeks and will take all pledges with her to a walk happening in Regina on Sept. 25. All the money raised will go to the Childhood Cancer Society.

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The Believe in the Gold childhood cancer walk in Melfort will begin at the mall parking lot at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

The walk will be followed by a barbecue supper at Prairie North Coop. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. a hotdog or hamburger and a pop will be available for $5, with all proceeds going to the cause.

Last year, Durell donated over $5,000 through pledges and fundraisers.

“Melfort area is very generous, and I appreciate everyone that has helped out,” Durell said.

The walk is happening after school hours this year rather than over the lunch hour.

“I am hoping that more children can participate this year,” Durell said. “We will also wear masks to make it safe for everyone and I would appreciate a few younger people getting involved.”

Participants are encouraged to wear something gold for the walk.

Durell also continues to collect pull tabs for the Small but Mighty, Silver to Gold charity as well. She made a donation of 130 lbs in March and another 75 lbs earlier this month.

If anyone would like to make a contribution through pull tabs, they can be dropped-off with Durell at the Co-op in Melfort.

Drop off volunteers can also be found all around Saskatchewan, and tabs can also be dropped off at any Rural Municipality office in the province.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser