Cienna Friesen, a little girl from Wawota, daughter to Rochelle (Ford) Friesen and Darren Friesen, her father who passed away in a quad accident a few years ago. Cienna was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma and will need treatments in Toronto.
The "Friends for Cienna" Facebook page has been busy with chatter. Cienna is a tough young girl who is going through something very difficult. The Facebook page is filled with well wishes for Cienna and a great many thank yous from Cienna's family.
As soon as the community knew one of their own was in need they began to do everything they could to help. From donations of cash, auction items, and volunteer time, the community has rallied together to do what they can.
On Sept. 15, Friends for Cienna hosted a supper and cabaret benefit. An abundance of items were donated for both live and silent auctions, as well as children's Chinese auction items. The supper began at 5 p.m., with the auctions to follow, and a live band starting up at about 9 p.m. The party went all night with the Hints of Harmony making it safe by offering rides home as designated drivers.
There were 50/50 draws held throughout the evening as well. One was held at 7:30 p.m., another at 10:30 p.m., and a final one at 1:30 a.m.
Everyone in the community seemed to be there in support of this strong little girl. Thanks were given to everyone who came out for the evening and to all of the volunteers who helped including the Lions for offering to take care of the bar and the rink for letting them use the space.
Items donated for the auctions came from a great many companies in the area, families, and individuals who want to help in any way. With an overwhelming number of donations they will also be holding an online auction in the next while which can be found on Facebook through searching for "Friends for Cienna Auction."
In support of Cienna both Kristen Murray and Leanne Van Dresar shaved their heads that evening.
They have also been collecting change at various locations, while they have begun selling Friends for Cienna bracelets at $2 a piece.
The night is said to have raised over $100,000 according to the "Friends for Cienna" Facebook Group.
The community continues to do everything in their power to help as they have been holding other fundraisers as well.
The last weekend of August saw the Kenosee Superslides raise money for Cienna. Donations of mainly children's change was given towards the fundraising efforts.
On Sept. 8 the Duff's hosted a benefit supper with the help of Erin Gardiner at 2nd Street Eats. With two seatings, the night was able to raise money for Cienna to be used towards treatments and travel.
There was also a windshield wash held at the Prairie Dog Drive-In, which was manned by Garth Herman, Craig Erick, Brent and Naomi Heidinger, as well as Kirk and Patricia Himmelspach. Along with companies from Stoughton and Carlyle matching Heidinger's and Himmelspach's money raised.
Currently a Steeped Tea Fundraiser is also underway. It has been open since Sept. 1 and will end on Sept. 28. By following this link, http://www.mysteepedtea.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E4335&from=DIRECTLINK, ordering tea will help raise funds to put towards the Friesen Trust Fund as all commission from the tea sales will be given to the family.
A benefit concert was held by Country Blend at the Moose Mountain Church of Christ at Kenosee, with all funds going to the Friesen family.
On Sept. 29 there will be a street hockey tournament and a used hockey sale. This will be held at the Wawota Forum. To enter the tournament or offer up used equipment contact Karlene Krupa a 739-2983 or Tamara Schill at 739-2107.
The Chimo Building Centre hosted an event, Putt for Cienna. For a chance to win a power pack people were able to pay $5 for three putts. All money raised went towards the Friesen's.
The Wawota and Maryfield District Lions Clubs have also established a project. Lincoln Farm Supplies made a hopper bin available for farmers to donate canola. All funds raised through this means will go towards the fund. The Wawota area is encouraged to contact Tim at 739-2161 or Garth at 739-2732. The Maryfield Lions have made it possible to haul grain to Crossroads 48 Terminal in order to make donations to Cienna's Fund.
