Interview: CHEO Fundraising events in September with Cheryl Smith Trimm

Interview: CHEO Fundraising events in September with Cheryl Smith Trimm

The 3rd Annual Kendyl Smith-Trimm Caring for Kids CHEO Fundraiser will bring the Pontiac community together on September 12th at the Upper Pontiac Sports Complex in Chapeau for an evening dedicated to honouring Kendyl’s memory and supporting children and families receiving care at CHEO.

Kendyl Smith-Trimm was a loving and caring child who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in February 2022. After an 18-month battle, she sadly passed away in August 2023. During her many trips to CHEO, Kendyl expressed her wish to help other sick children. In her memory, her family created the Kendyl Smith-Trimm Caring for Kids Endowment Fund at CHEO, supporting the Child Life Program and the Family Assistance Program.

The annual fundraiser will feature guest speakers from the CHEO Foundation, The Magic of Steven Anthony, live music by Willy Rivet and the Hillbilly Deluxe Band and Midlife Krisis, as well as a late lunch, 50/50 draw, raffles and door prizes. Tickets are $25 per person, with all proceeds supporting the fund and helping children and families at CHEO.

This year, the community support will extend beyond the fundraising evening. Station Mansfield will also donate three cents from every litre of gas pumped on each Thursday in September to CHEO, adding another meaningful way for the Pontiac community to contribute to Kendyl’s legacy.

In the following interview, conducted by Eric O’Brien, Cheryl Smith Trimm discusses her daughter Kendyl’s story and lasting legacy, the importance of the Caring for Kids fundraiser, the impact of the community’s support, and the many ways people can help make a difference in the lives of children and families at CHEO.