Petersburg community rallies for annual Childhood Cancer BBQ
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Diane Danen
The community is invited to the 22nd annual Childhood Cancer BBQ on Thursday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a variety of barbeque items and refreshments while supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer. Hosted by Bechthold Home Improvements, all proceeds from food sales and 100 per cent of donations will be shared among three children’s cancer charities.
"Twenty-one years ago, we had a vision of raising funds to support families affected by childhood cancer. With a single barbecue, a couple of coolers, a sun umbrella and a lot of heart, our Childhood Cancer BBQ was born," said Bechthold.
The event's success is made possible through the support of numerous community partners. Bechthold Home Improvements works with local businesses, allowing every dollar raised through barbecue proceeds to go directly to the charities.
Last year’s event raised just over $38,000, and organizers are hoping to surpass $40,000 this year.
A special guest at this year’s barbecue will be Mike Farwell, who is expected to attend around 2 p.m. Farwell is well known throughout Waterloo Region as a broadcaster, journalist, community advocate and host of The Mike Farwell Show.
Bechthold said the fundraiser continues to grow thanks to strong community support and donations from businesses across Canada and the United States. What began as a local initiative has now expanded beyond provincial and national borders.
“We’re fortunate to receive support from suppliers we work with,” said Bechthold. “We have donors in British Columbia and on the East Coast, and even one in Georgia who supports childhood cancer efforts in their own community. Their contributions are added to our total.”
Bechthold said his family has been fortunate not to have experienced childhood cancer firsthand.
“Our family hasn’t had to deal with childhood cancer,” said Bechthold. “Our business has been blessed by community support for 44 years, so we are happy that we can give back to the community by hosting this barbecue.”
Area service groups also play an important role in supporting the event. The Petersburg Optimist Club provides the barbecue equipment, while the New Hamburg Optimist Club supplies tents for the site. Members from a variety of community organizations also volunteer their time to help ensure the day runs smoothly.
Approximately 40 volunteers will help throughout the day. Several new volunteers joined the team after attending last year’s barbecue.
“Three or four people who came out last year thought it was a great cause and wanted to help,” said Bechthold. “They are now volunteers.
“We are extremely grateful for all the support of the community and businesses that make the annual Childhood Cancer BBQ event such a success.”
Anyone who is unable to attend but would still like to support this worthwhile cause can do so by ordering takeout lunches. Orders can be placed by calling 519-634-5852 by July 7. Meals will be packed in coolers and ready for pickup.
Last year, several local businesses took part by ordering lunches for their employees.
“It’s a great way for businesses to support an excellent cause while showing appreciation to their staff by providing a barbecue lunch,” said Bechthold.
Historically, the event has served approximately 500 people. Community members are encouraged to stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Bechthold Home Improvements, 1239 Notre Dame Dr., Petersburg, to enjoy a meal while helping support children and families affected by childhood cancer.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised through this event and online will support the Children’s Health Foundation (London Children’s Hospital), The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation (Childhood Cancer).
To make a donation online, visit www.bechtholdhome.com/childhood-cancer-bbq until the end of July.
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