Pawchella Brings Four-Legged Friends Together for a Great Cause
Published Monday, August 10, 2026
Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant, Events at the Health Sciences Foundation invites the community to join Pawchella on Saturday, August 15, at Kamview Nordic Centre for an afternoon of fun with their four-legged friends while supporting appendix cancer care.
Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with your four-legged friend while supporting a meaningful cause? Join us for Pawchella, a brand-new community event bringing together dogs, their humans and the community for an afternoon of fun while raising awareness and funds for appendix cancer care through the Northern Cancer Fund.
Pawchella takes place Saturday, August 15, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Kamview Nordic Centre. Bring your pup and enjoy a live DJ, 2 km and 5 km dog walks beginning at 1 p.m., agility demonstrations by The Dog Classroom, the Ontario SPCA with games and information on adoptable dogs, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs, splash pools, a photo booth, ball pits, pup ice cream, local vendors and pet stores, prizes and more.
Admission is by donation, and every dollar raised will stay in Northwestern Ontario to support appendix cancer care through the Northern Cancer Fund.
While Pawchella supports an important cause, it also holds a very special place in my heart.
Last May, my friend Hannah Deley passed away after a courageous battle with appendix cancer, a rare disease that affects only a small number of people each year. A beloved employee at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Hannah's infectious smile, kind heart and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Even while undergoing treatment, she continued fundraising through her collaboration with Waxxed Candles, always finding ways to support others facing cancer.
After Hannah's passing, her family, friends and colleagues wanted to find a meaningful way to honour her memory. Inspired by her love of animals, music and bringing people together, Pawchella was created to celebrate the things that brought her joy while raising funds to help others facing the same disease.
Whether you join the walk, browse the vendors or simply spend the afternoon with your pup, you'll be helping raise awareness for appendix cancer while supporting patients and families across Northwestern Ontario.
If you can't attend, you can still make a difference by pledging a participant or making a donation at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/pawchella.
We hope you'll join us for this special day as we celebrate community, remember Hannah's remarkable spirit and help make a difference for others facing appendix cancer.
Article by Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant, Events, Health Sciences Foundation