Holy Name of Mary School hosts seventh-annual Warrior Will Fun Fair

Teacher Nancy Wojcik and student Meredith Stokes happily greeted families as they arrived for the Warrior Will Fun Fair at Holy Name of Mary School. Stoke’s t-shirt shows a smiling Will Simons, the young boy for whom the fair is named in honour of.

By Wendy Lamond

On Thursday night, many families and teachers gathered at Holy Name of Mary School to take part in the annual Warrior Will Fun Fair in memory of Will Simons.

Simons was born with a congenital heart defect and had to endure several major surgeries in his short life, and he passed away at just five years old. According to teacher and event organizer Sarah Becker, Will was a real force of love, strength, goodness and a real fighter right until the very end.

Becker shared that he was always smiling, was a fun, kind and caring friend. He left a big mark on everyone’s hearts and the love for Will and his family was definitely felt at the fun fair.

Becker has been organizing the event for all seven years. This year was a very monumental fair as it would have been Will’s graduating year. It was an incredible night and a great send-off for Will and his friends with one last celebration.

The fair was packed full of fun activities like inflatables, farm animals, face painting, EMS vehicles, laser tag, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction, Ed’s magic circus show and a barbecue and bake sale. Becker told the Independent the evening was full of families and community members, and seeing the joy and smiles on everyone’s faces is what makes it so worth it.

Holy Name of Mary School wishes to thank all the organizations, businesses and families that donated to the online auctions, which brought in over $18,000. The money will be used to provide learning opportunities for the students. As well, the school will be making a donation in Will’s name to Sick Kids Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.