A very determined group of local people are working hard to earn money to help find a cure for ALS and to help support individuals and families affected by this disease.Ìý
In 2016, Gregg and Debbie Fischer, Mary McNair, daughter Sonia and other family members took part in the ALS walk in Winnipeg, dressed as the Care-a-Lot Team.Ìý It was a 5k walk and even though it was tough going for him, Gregg insisted on getting out of the wheelchair and push Sonia across the finish line in his chair.Ìý In 2017 the ALS Avengers wore green shirts with their favorite Avenger character on the front, as they walked in Regina where they donated $10,000 from their fundraising efforts.Ìý In 2018 they held a walk right here in Carlyle and along with all the other fundraisers held, they raised over $19,000!
July 27 is the date chosen this year for the 2nd Annual Carlyle ALS Walk, and registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Carlyle Sports Arena.Ìý The walk can be 3k or 5k, and there will be transportation available should anyone be unable to complete the route. This year the Rapid Relief Squad from Oxbow is sending 25 people and a food truck to help out with the walk, something the organizers of the walk are very grateful for.Ìý It is a big undertaking and their support will make life much easier. ÌýTeams are invited to register online at and Carlyle is aiming for bragging rights to the most teams registered.Ìý You can sign your team up and share your link so people can donate directly, with receipts issued for donations of $20 and up.Ìý 40% of funds raised go to research and 60% stays in the province to help meet needs of clients.
Mary McNair has embraced this cause, and sits as the Vice Chair of ALS Board of Saskatchewan, is the Chair of the Provincial Walk committee and the Leader of ALS Awareness & Education Pillar.Ìý She also sits on the equipment committee where she helps decide where the funds can best be used to help provide equipment to support families.
June 7 is the kick-off for the 2nd annual Walk to end ALS BBQ Brisket and Burger Sale from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Main Street Carlyle. Pre-orders will be taken, so please call or text Cara at 306-577-0426.
A watercolor paint night is being held at the Carlyle Legion Hall Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. with local artist, Chylisse Marchand. The paintings will be tulips, already traced on the canvas so no one has to worry about their lack of skill, and watercolor is such a forgiving medium, anyone who chooses to support the fundraiser will be pleased with their creation. Marchand has donated her services for the evening because ALS has touched her life and she wants to help with the fundraising efforts.
The cornflower is the international flower of hope for ALS and Motor Neuron Disease.Ìý It was chosen because, although it appears to be fragile, it is a courageous and determined plant, able to withstand some of nature’s unpleasant elements while thriving in areas where other plants simply can’t. Watch select businesses for your opportunity to show your support for this cause by donating and wearing a cornflower pin. T-shirts are also available for purchase as well.
While Gregg Fischer definitely does not wish to be the face for ALS, because he is simply a man who happens to have the disease, he and his family have certainly embraced the need to raise awareness of this disease. June is ALS Awareness Month and the sight of Gregg in his motorized wheelchair with Snickers, his faithful companion, has certainly raised that awareness around the community.Ìý
Please mark your calendars for their events and help if you can. Debbie has also asked if there are any chess players in the community, please get in touch with her. She is tired of being beaten by Gregg and he would appreciate some new competition.
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