TRAVELLERS REST, P.E.I. — Becky Donald and her French bulldog, Carl, are helping raise money for a P.E.I. boy enduring cancer treatments off-Island.
Three-year-old Camden Kingyens has medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Treating the disease means extended stays at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, N.S., and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ont.
His parents, Matt and Victoria Kingyens, and big brother Nate, 6, are with Camden.
Although Donald doesn't know the family personally, she followed their food drive efforts during the Summerside Santa Claus Parade on social media.
"Shortly after that, he got sick," she said. "How could you not help out that little boy?"
The Kingyens own Advanced Builders in Summerside. As a small business owner herself, Donald understands what it means to be an entrepreneur.
"It takes a lot of time, but they were doing it, doing life and then, boom."
Feeling blessed with 13 years in business, she decided to donate the proceeds from her Valentine's Day themed Salty Paws by Carl bandanas to the family.
"Your life has stopped, but you still have expenses," said Donald.
Donald's son has received care at the IWK, once staying for three days for surgery.
"The days drag on for so long, so just to be able to (help)... we've been thrilled with the support."
Donald has been making the bandanas for some time, and every once in a while, she makes a special batch for a fundraiser.
For Camden, she thought she'd start with 60 bandanas, but more than 200 later, she's still selling up to 20 a day at her shop in Travellers Rest, Sunnybrook Farms Pet Supply.
"It just snowballed. It's been fantastic."
Hug-a-Puppy for Camden
Who can come?: Everyone
What is it?: A photo booth and a chance to get some puppy snuggles
When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: Sunnybrook Farm Pet Supply
How: By donation
Donald said the money Carl's bandanas have raised "isn't a whole lot in the scheme of things", but hopes it helps take a little pressure off the family.
As Mikaela Girard was dropping off Nova the husky for grooming, she picked up two bandanas. Girard, an expectant mom, is hoping to spread some good karma and support a good cause.
"I always have bandanas on my dogs, I'd rather (the money) goes to something like a good cause. That's why I always shop here too, because it's local."
Donald is encouraging all humans to snap a photo of their pets wearing the bandanas and tag it with #pawsforhope so Camden can see all the dogs.
Camden had surgery on Jan. 3 and received his first dose of chemotherapy on Jan. 4. His family has expressed their thanks on the gofundme page.
“Your prayers and financial support have been such a blessing to our family, and we are so grateful that we can focus completely on Camden's treatments. God bless."
To Donate:
There is a gofundme for the family to help with expenses while they stay with Camden during the nine months of treatment he needs.
