Community supports childhood cancer fundraising barbecue

Presley Moser, seven, and her brother, Jett Moser, four, enjoy lunch with grandparents Julie Mackie and Gary Hallman during the Childhood Cancer BBQ in Petersburg. The family was happy to support the important cause. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Bechthold Home Improvements hosted its 22nd annual Childhood Cancer BBQ on Thursday, July 9.

Held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the annual fundraiser welcomed more than 700 visitors who enjoyed barbecued hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage on a bun and refreshments, with all proceeds supporting childhood cancer charities.

With more than 200 additional people attending this year compared to 2025, organizer Warren Bechthold said the event continues to grow thanks to the generosity of community members, businesses and suppliers from across Canada and even the United States.

Bechthold credited the many local businesses and sponsors whose support allows every dollar raised through food sales to go directly to the charities. A complete list of community partners will be published in next week's Gazette as a thank-you for their generous contributions.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support from our community and the many businesses that make the annual Childhood Cancer BBQ such a success," said Bechthold.

Area service clubs also play an important role in the fundraiser's success. The Petersburg Optimist Club provides the barbecue equipment, while the New Hamburg Optimist Club supplies the event tents. Members from numerous community organizations also volunteer their time throughout the day.

"The Lord has blessed us with three healthy grandchildren. Our family hasn't had to deal with childhood cancer firsthand, but we recognize the challenges many families face, and we are committed to helping children and families affected by the disease," Bechthold said.

"Our plan is to keep doing it. You never really know the impact the support has on families and individuals, but hopefully it is making a positive difference. There will always be a family that needs a little extra help. Our family and our business have been blessed by the support of this community for more than 40 years, and this is our way of giving back. We also hope it encourages others to get involved and support their community.”

The event is truly a family effort. Bechthold and his wife, Bernice, work alongside their children, Stacy, Stewart and Leslie, as well as approximately 40 dedicated volunteers who help run the annual fundraiser. Granddaughters Victoria, Lydia and Ada were among the many volunteers helping throughout the day along with some of their friends.

Special guest Mike Farwell, a well-known Waterloo Region broadcaster, journalist and community advocate stopped by the barbecue to show his support for this worthwhile cause.

Also attending was New Hamburg resident Melanie Austin, a childhood cancer survivor, speaker, advocate and fundraiser. Three years ago, Austin shared her personal story publicly for the first time at the barbecue, speaking about her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for childhood cancer awareness, using her experiences to inspire hope and encourage others facing similar challenges.

Last year's barbecue raised just over $38,000. Organizers set a goal of raising $40,000 this year and, as of July 12 at 3 p.m., donations had already reached $40,700.

One hundred per cent of proceeds raised through the barbecue and online donations will be shared among three organizations: Children's Health Foundation (London Children's Hospital), The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation in support of childhood cancer.

Those who were unable to attend but would still like to support the fundraiser may make an online donation until the end of July. To make a donation online, visit www.bechtholdhome.com/childhood-cancer-bbq.