When nine-year-old Brooke Reiger asked her friends to pitch in for an upcoming charity event to help find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, they didn’t hesitate.
“I just thought of all the people going through this and having such a hard time, and wanted to support them,” said pal Ava Salem, 10.
“I’m really excited to raise some money,” Amisha Duggal, 10, added.
The trio from Cathcart Boulevard school will host a garage sale and silent auction on June 22 at 1777 Modeland Road from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with proceeds going towards the Sarnia-Lambton Walk for Parkinson’s being held in September. Specifically, the girls want to help Brooke’s family member reach his goal of $10,000. Money raised goes towards programs and services that improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's and their families in Southwestern Ontario.
“My Nana’s husband has Parkinson’s, so I’m doing it for him,” Regier said of Grant Bourner, who raised an impressive $9,000 last year.
The event includes a charity garage sale, silent auction, lemonade stand and treats. A long list of prizes includes a Weber BBQ set (anonymous donor), Sarnia Sting tickets, $300 Sarnia BMW car detailing, gift cards, and more.
The girls have also made bracelets they’ll be selling, and all donations and proceeds will be matched by an anonymous donor, up to $2,000, explained dad, Roy Reiger.
“We’ve had some great support from local businesses,” Reiger said of Sarnia’s generosity. “This disease seems to touch a lot of people.”
Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive degenerative neurological disease affecting more than 100,000 Canadians today. There is no cure.
This isn’t the trio’s first charity event, either. In 2022, Brooke and her friends hosted a charity garage sale to support the Inn of the Good Shepherd.
“She’s got a big heart,” Reiger said. “I’m just really proud of her.”