Angie Sanderson and Sandra Petherbridge hold up the big cheque which was presented to the McGalddery family over FaceTime (Photo: Kelly and Amy McGladdery Online Fundraiser)

By Shaun Penner

Community Rallies

Elmworth community rallies to raise $46,000 for neighbour following cancer diagnosis

May 7, 2021 | 5:30 AM

Elmworth residents have rallied for one of their own. A recent online auction and fundraiser has netted over $46,000 for a local man and his family as he deals with a recent cancer diagnosis.

The online fundraiser was put on by Elmworth community members who wanted to help support the family of Kelly and Amy McGladdery to help ease the financial burden that comes with having to travel for Kelly’s treatments and hospital stays, following Kelly’s six month journey to finally get his diagnosis.

The auction was spearheaded by friends of the McGladderys, Sandra Petherbridge and Angie Sanderson.

Petherbridge tells EverythingGP that it is common place for the people of Elmworth, a community south of Beaverlodge in the County of Grande Prairie, to come together when there is a neighbour in need.

However, COVID-19 had put a strain on their typical ways to raise funds, like hosting a community dinner.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“So, we decided to ask the community to give donations, or help out by monetary donation, and hopefully we could at least come up with something to help them out,” said Petherbridge.

In all over 160 items were gathered to be put up for auction, many of which came straight from the community donors themselves.

“We had everything from baking to canning, paintings, crafts, wood working stuff. We had a young gentleman from the community, I think he is 12, he donated 12 hours of his time to help out.”

“There was quite a bit of stuff.”

Petherbridge gave a big thank you to everyone who stepped up to help the McGladderys, but stresses that she wasn’t totally surprised the community stepped forward this way.

“It’s always been like this. If somebody needs something, it is definitely there,” said Petherbridge.

“We’re very blessed to live where we do and that everybody came together and lifted them up in a time of need.”