Community bands together to help its own
Stephanie Burr
Staff writer
March 10, 2008
AB Derrick Cote, Naval Electronics Senor Operator from HMCS Calgary, hands over cash to PO2 Line Laureandeau, HMCS Winnipeg’s charity officer. Calgary collected the money in half a day to help MS Troy Stickley’s family, a HMCS Winnipeg sailor who has fallen on hard times.
A sailor’s struggles has brought the best out of Maritime Forces Pacific and the local Victoria community.
When word spread that MS Troy Stickley’s three-year-old son was diagnosed with eye cancer and needed to be rushed to Vancouver’s Children’s Hospital to have it removed, the crew of his ship, HMCS Winnipeg, immediately starting passing a hat around to help pay for expenses.
A short time later, they discovered the sailor was also carrying the burden of an unfinished house renovation.
Within 25 minutes, Winnipeg sailors raised a substantial cash donation, and within a few days the public and other ships’ crews had joined the fund-raising campaign to help complete the house.
PO2 Line Laurendeau, who holds the secondary duty of Winnipeg’s charity officer, spearheaded the campaign, along with military spouse Tammy Chamberlain and Kristy Falconer, both friends of the Stickley family.
“I did a walk through of the house and there was a lot of issues. Wires were hanging from the ceiling, and there were only two working heaters in the house,” says PO2 Laurendeau.
A contractor from On-Side Construction has since volunteered to manage the project, and with the flood of cash, donated supplies and volunteers the renovations should be completed within six weeks.
“People driving by have been stopping by the house to hand over money to help,” says PO2 Laurendeau. “Everyone from across the Formation has contributed too. Even HMCS York in Ontario and sailors in Halifax are collecting money and will send a cheque at the end of the month.”
The charity officer says the outpouring of support is easy to understand.
“We all know the navy life is a difficult life; we come home for a few days and then we’re away again. Some people felt touched by the story, that this could be me,” she says, adding that the military community is tight knit and always ready to help one of their own.
MS Stickley and his wife are staying out of the limelight as they struggle through this difficult time, but PO2 Laurendeau says they are both overwhelmed and thankful for the support and kindness.
A bank account has been set up for those wishing to contribute: CIBC 05030, Account 8723532.
Some of the donations made are:
- Rona: building supplies
- Safeway: more than $1,000 in food
- Home Depot: building supplies
- AMJ Campbell Van Lines: packers and movers and storage of house contents
- Finishing Touch: building materials
- Pine Lighting: light fixtures
- Irwin Industries: Gutters and soffits
