Kylie’s Family Fundraiser raises $5000.00 –THANKS TO YOU!

Picture of the attendees of the fundraiser with the family with the final tally –Photo credits by Julie Champagne.

This past Saturday October 5, 2024 , The Army Navy and Airforce Club and its members opened up their doors and their hearts for local family Rob Mainville and Brittany Kaddie during a recent fundraiser for their 2 year old daughter  Kylie who was diagnosed with HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) . This is a condition that can occur when small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed and can often cause clots to form in blood vessels all throughout the body. These clots can damage the kidneys and other vital organs in the body. With most severe cases resulting in kidney failure and even death.

Rob’s Cousin Kevin Rivette, a well-known award winning vocalist, had been asked to return to perform in Cornwall and took advantage this opportunity to make his return in a special and significant way. Rob and Brittany’s call from the PICU at CHEO sparked a few emotions for Rivette who has worked with CHEO on it’s Foundation in the past, as well as Operation Enfant Soleil for the St-Justine Hospital. 

“I was dumbfounded to hear this! She’s only 2 years old. As a grandpa of 7 it resonated profoundly in Me.”, said Rivette. “I reached out to Norm Bourgon , President of the Army Navy Airforce and I asked if they would play host to this event.  From there the fund-raising efforts began. Norm (I call him a big Teddy Bear), personally reached out to many friends, family and community contractors and spread the word about Kylie’s Story. He would call me daily and say… we’ve got this going on, we just received a donation of x amount and then he just kept saying… you’ll see Kev- We’ll get there. We did not forecast a set objected amount as during these hard financial times, any monies raised for the family would be appreciated. I know that this community has a heart, but I never expected as to the extent in this quest.”

Rivette had a few special guests who were invited to share the stage. Local Elvis Presley Tribute Artist Jean Marc Rivette made a surprise and unexpected appearance. Even Kylie’s father Rob himself shared the stage for a few songs as well. 

“This event would never have been possible without you all coming out tonight to support my daughter and our family! To all of the organizers, sponsors, donors of our draws and silent auction (naming each one of them one by one) volunteers, Norm, the ANAF Club, the people in the Media who shared Kylie’s story and those who have provided support to Brittany and I, we are so grateful. To all of you who chose to spend your busy Saturday night with us and away from your own families.. THANK YOU!”, said Mainville , trying to hold back his tears as he looked back at his partner Brittany, as she held teary eyed Kylie in her arms. 

Noted, Brittany even went to the extent during this evening of setting up a poster board and bringing community awareness to HUS and its affects. As well the family extended to the community the importance of giving blood and encourages everyone to make your appointment today at www.blood.ca . 

Along with the funds raised for the family during this event, the family insisted on efforts to help CHEO continue their work. Thanks to the proceeds collected from their Nevada Ticket sales, the ANAF presented a check to CHEO in the amount of $500 and requested for the family to present this on behalf of the club by Kylie’s Parents. As well, the family plans on continuing efforts to help CHEO in the future. 

If you are looking to continue the fund-raising efforts or send a donation to the family, there has been a go fund me page that has been created. Donations can be made at
https://gofund.me/9ac308be

Equally, local sponsor Rick Boyer, from Boyer Signs has created this logo available to be put on shirts, even possibly bumper stickers or community support fundraising efforts.   If you or your team has any ideas on how this can become your way of fundraising, call him with your ideas!  This was a beautiful sign and insignia of how this community can come together for a cause.