My nephew Christian Legge is an eleven-year-old little boy currently living in St. John's, N.L. He moved to Ardmore when he was two years old when his father was relocated by the Armed Forces in 2002 but moved back to Newfoundland with his mother in 2004.
When he was just five years old, Christian attended a hockey game where he met Geoff Eaton, the executive director of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). Eaton was speaking to the crowd about helping others and Christian took notice.
The man spoke about a cancer fundraiser called Shave For The Brave, where people shave their heads and the donations go toward cancer research.
Christian had recently lost his great grandmother to cancer and told his mother right then that he wanted to shave his head for this cause and raise money for a cure for cancer.
This year will be his sixth year participating in Shave For The Brave and his donations over past five years have totaled more than $12,500. Such an accomplishment for a little boy. He has had a tremendous amount of support from his parents, grandparents and extended family.
Christian was recently honored by the I Am Genie foundation, which is a non-profit organization that recognizes volunteers around the world who do good deeds. The foundation believes there is a genie in all of us and is focused on inspiring people to help others.
The Dream Day Surprises, which started in 2009, was designed to make a hero's wish come true and shine a light on their story and these wishes are granted by a genie. Over 60 heroes in 50 cities throughout North America have been surprised by the genie.
They have also been featured in over 200 media stories including the New York Daily News.
The purpose is to inspire others while rewarding the hero so that they know their actions don't go unnoticed and encourage them to continue their efforts.
Christian was nominated for 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador's Genie of the Year. He was surprised with a Dream Day where he got to ride in a Camaro and take a helicopter ride over Newfoundland's capital city. Ten others were nominated as well and a gala was held on January 19, 2012 to announce the big winner of the $10,000 grand prize.
His dad, stepmom and brother travelled from Ardmore to attend the gala with him.
And the winner was Christian Legge!
When his dad called to tell us the results of the night, we were speechless. He had taken our breath away. With tears flowing and cold shivers all over, our little hero had touched us in a special way. I can't imagine how his parents and family who attended the gala felt when his name was called.
Christian will put most of the prize money away for his education but he said he would also like to do something nice for his classmates who supported him.
This year will be his sixth year participating in Shave for the Brave. Last year, his father and stepmom held a dance in Ardmore where all proceeds went to Christian for his cause. This year, on February 25, the 2nd annual fundraiser will be held at the Beaver River Fish and Game Building in Bonnyville. Tickets are $10 and there will also be a silent auction, door prizes and a midnight lunch.
I heard a rumor there may be a feed of fish & brewis as well.
If you would like to attend or donate, please call 826-2845, or 573-5620.
Christian's goal this year is to raise $5,000 for his cause. Help us make his wish come true. Help us pay it forward.
