Hoteliers' Gift Helps Boys Facing Surgery
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
Page: B1 / FRONT
Section: The Capital & Vancouver Island
Byline: Jeff Bell
Source: Times Colonist
A donation to the Help Fill A Dream Foundation will allow two Victoria boys to be with their families when they go out of province for the specialized treatment they need.
Six-year-old Jarrett and nine-year-old Mason (last names are being withheld) are benefiting from the $10,000 gift to the foundation by the 40-member Hotel Association of Greater Victoria, presented Tuesday at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort.
Jarrett will be going to Toronto for heart surgery. Mason, who has acute cystic fibrosis, will go to Edmonton later this month to be assessed for a heart/lung transplant.
Patti Faulconbridge, Mason's grandmother, said the donation will make a big difference to the families.
"It's a lifesaver, it really is," she said.
Faulconbridge said the Victoria hoteliers have also arranged for Mason to stay at the West Edmonton Mall's Fantasyland Hotel during his stay.
Earl Wilde of the hotel association said it is gratifying to see the donation go to such a worthwhile cause.
"I think it's a good fit, especially since Help Fill A Dream helps to arrange accommodation for families."
Association president Spencer Villam said his group will be making future financial gifts to Help Fill A Dream to provide assistance to both children and their families.
Help Fill A Dream was formed in 1968 through the efforts of Victoria bus driver Rick Thomas, and has fulfilled dreams and provided financial assistance to more than 1,200 children.