A pair of fundraising events on Saturday, May 27, are planned to assist the family of a veteran Martensville firefighter who is battling cancer.
Mike Smith, a second-generation member of the Martensville Fire Department, was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Over the last three months, his condition has taken a serious turn for the worse.
A slowpitch tournament in Martensville is aimed at raising funds to renovate Mike Smith’s home in Martensville to make it more accessible for him when he is released from hospital, according to tournament organizer Angie Reddekopp.
“The funds will go to help cover the cost of a lift bed, special chairs, and other things that will be needed in order for Mike to be at home, and have the best quality of life he can for the future,” said Reddekopp. “The tournament is called ‘Hit Mike Home’. We want to show Mike and his family how much everyone appreciates all he’s done for this community over the years. Mike followed in his dad Steve’s footsteps by joining the fire department and helping out with so many things over the years. This is one way of showing our appreciation and friendship.”
Mike’s firefighting colleagues in the neighbouring community of Warman are also pitching in that day.
Warman Fire Rescue is hosting its annual pancake breakfast at the Warman Fire Hall on Saturday, May 27 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with all donations received at the breakfast also going to Mike Smith’s family. The pancake breakfast is held in conjunction with WFR’s annual open house at the fire hall.
Reddekopp said while the ball tournament has a full complement of teams registered for the ball tournament, people are encouraged to make donations to aid Mike and his family. Additional information can be obtained by emailing angieskates@hotmail.com .