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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-05-07, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Drive for Dean fundraiser comes to Seaforth May 24 Whitney South Huron Expositor Dean O'Reilly is a little boy with an infectious smile. According to his parents, Jim and Charlene, Dean embraces each day with determination; all while emitting a positive, easygoing manner to every- one he meets. Attributes that are all too amazing considering the challenges he has faced in his five short years. Undiagnosed since birth, Dean's medical condition continues to be a mystery, despite the discovery of a sei- zure disorder and global developmen- tal delays. As a result, he uses a wheel- chair and a full support walker to get around, and his family and caregivers provide support for all his daily needs. Having gone through years of testing, meeting over a dozen specialists, Dean continues to be an inspiration to both his friends and family. "He's a very happy child," says mom Charlene, explaining that although Dean may not be able to communicate with words, his smile and actions are always sure to light up any room. "He loves school and he loves spending time with his family, Dean just loves people." So it's no wonder when the O'Reillys were in need of a little help, folks from all over Huron County jumped at the chance to lend a hand. Inspired by the family's growing need to transport Dean comfortably to appointments at London's Children's Hospital and Thames Valley Children's Centre, an eight -person committee jumped into action. Their goal was to come up with a plan to help alleviate some of the van's cost, which is estimated at around $60,000. "We've been so humbled by the out- pouring of support from the commu- nity," said Charlene. "We've been really overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and support for our family." Charlene continued on to explain how lucky the family has been to receive so much support from so many different places. "There are so many vil- lages of people we never expected to be such a big part of our lives. Neighbours, the hospitals, the school, it all makes things go much smoother. We're very Own your home sooner with the best mortgage on the market. eV() • f409eYake 11/ A H Compare our 5 -Year Fixed "We've Got Your Back" mortgage to the big banks* and you'll find we've got the best mortgage. Guaranteed. coWelcome to co-operative banking Credit Unions of Ontario Visit meridiancu.ca/mortgages Call 1-866-592-2226 Or if you like, we'll have a Mortgage Specialist come to you. Meridian "O.A.C. This is the rate for a closed, fixed rate mortgage with a term of 5 years. Rate is subject to change without notice. Some conditions apply. 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The Drive for Dean fundraiser will take place Saturday, May 24, at the Seaforth and District Community Centre.The event will run all day with a family fun extravaganza from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a pulled -pork dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m., finishing up with a dance and auctions in the evening starting at 10 p.m. The kids' event will offer everything from face - painting and balloon animals to a penny sale and storytelling. Charlene explained how excited she is the activities will include sensory bins for the little ones, something Dean will be sure to enjoy. "It's really great they were thinking of him when they were choosing activities, it's really going to be something great Dean and his friends can do together:' The auctions will feature some big ticket items, including signed hockey jerseys, a signed photo of Bobby Orr and even a pair of tickets for the alumbi box at a Boston Bruins game, the family's team of choice, at the TD Boston Gardens. Admission is by donation. Dinner tickets are $20 each and are available at Pete's Paper Clip, UPI and Blooms 'n' Rooms in Seaforth, Queens Bakery in Blyth, Cinnamon Jim's in Brussels, McGavin's Farm Equipment in Walton, Nature's Nest in Londesborough, Marita's Fashion Bou- tique in Clinton and Jillian's in Mitchell. For more information, or to make a donation, please contact Alan and Karen Carter at 519-522- 0399. AiThere are so many villages of people we never expected to be such a big part of our lives. Neighbours, the hospitals, the school, it all makes things go much smoother. We're very grateful, everywhere we go we feel so supported." — Charlene O'Reilly Whitney South Huron Expositor The O'Reilly family, Jim with baby Shaylyn, Charlene; Sandy McGlynn, one of the many organizers, Dean and big brother Ben.