(Supplied photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

taking a leap for a great cause

Skydivers take fundraising to new heights in support of kids fighting cancer

Sep 18, 2020 | 9:22 AM

Children with cancer in Alberta stand to benefit from a unique fundraiser held at the Innisfail Airport Thursday morning.

Officials with Kids Cancer Care say Jump for a Cure saw Calgary Realtor Brian van Vliet joined by nine others when they took fundraising and awareness to new heights for children with cancer.

The group completed a tandem skydive jump from 13,000 feet at Alberta Skydive Central at the Innisfail Airport.

Officials say the team of tandem skydivers donned gold face masks in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place each year in September and gold being the colour representing the fight against children’s cancer.

van Vliet has raised about one fifth of his $20,000 fundraising target for Kids Cancer Care and was inspired to raise funds and awareness when a client, Theresa Llewellyn, was diagnosed with cancer.

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“The combination of Kids Cancer Care’s extraordinary programs and Theresa’s valiant battle with cancer, inspired me to do more than just make an annual charitable donation,” said van Vliet. “I decided to organize a unique fundraising event, and with Theresa’s blessing, publicly announce that she, along with the desire to help children with cancer, are my inspiration for this event.”

A fitness competitor and model, Llewellyn is a keen advocate for cancer research and awareness.

“If this fundraiser can save one child or help one family, it is worth every bit of the effort,” she said.

Funds raised through Jump for a Cure will go toward Kids Cancer Care’s therapeutic, recreational and educational online and in-person programs.

“Kids Cancer Care is so grateful to Brian and Theresa for their tremendous effort in organizing this event,” said Christine McIver, founder and CEO of Kids Cancer Care. “Fundraising is tough right now because everyone is hurting. I applaud them for taking action—especially in these challenging times.”