Community Events are Fundraisers that “Come from the Heart”
Published Monday, January 19, 2026
Ever wonder what it takes to launch a community event fundraiser in support of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation?
As Jenelle Dawson will tell you, it may be easier than you think. Jenelle helps people create their own community events by helping them develop their ideas, providing administrative and marketing support, and connecting them with volunteers and other resources as needed.
“Community events are more than fundraisers,” Jenelle said. “They come from the heart. Anybody can start a community event, raise money for any area of healthcare at the Hospital, and feel like they are truly making a difference.”
Jenelle and the Foundation helped many people bring their fundraising ideas to life last year. Here are just a few of the many great community events of 2025:
Spirit Halloween Supports Child Life Program
It's amazing how quickly small donations can add up! Spirit Halloween, the seasonal Hallowe'en costume and decoration store, collected donations of $1, $2, $5, and more in 2025. In total, the store raised $20,878 to support the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre's Child Life Program. Spirit Halloween store operator Sarah Trimble said that she wanted to help children at the Hospital by providing them with moments of comfort and distraction to make their hospital experience less scary. “Being able to help bring light, smiles, and support to families here is something I feel truly grateful to be part of,” Sarah said.
“Burgers for Boobies” A Smash (Burger) Hit!
October 2025 saw the launch of a new, community-driven event: Burgers for Boobies. The brainchild of Burger Barn owners John and Tony Hockenhull, the smash burger is served in a “boobie” bun and stacked high with lettuce, tomato, bacon, BBQ mayo, and bacon Persian butter. It was designed to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise funds with 50% of proceeds going towards local breast cancer care in Northwestern Ontario through the Northern Cancer Fund. Boobies for Burgers was a smash hit, raising $13,524 in October. Another great example of caring businesses supporting the community!
Rita Bannon Memorial Pool Tournament Remembers Special Woman
Rita Bannon was always active in competitive sports. When her body told her it was time to retire from fastball and broomball, shooting pool became her new passion. In July 2021, Rita passed away after a short illness. Her many brothers and sisters decided to honour her memory with a pool tournament to raise money for the Northern Cancer Fund. Last year, the 4th annual event raised over $20,000. Most importantly though, the tournament is an opportunity for her family and the pool community to gather and remember a very special woman.
Local Hockey Fights Cancer Fundraiser Scores Big Time
We've seen Hockey Fights Cancer events watching NHL games on TV. Why not have a local event? Seventh Fire Secondary School Eagles Hockey and the Grandview Recreational Hockey Association both held separate events, raising $2,285 and $1,677 respectively for the Northern Cancer Fund. Teams wore purple and encouraged spectators to participate as well with purple bubbles, purple paper airplanes, and “I Fight For…” signs. “The outpouring of support from everyone who attended reminded us just how strong this community truly is,” Seventh Fire wrote on its Instagram feed.
Thunder Bay Autosport Club Races for Local Cancer Care
In 2014, the Thunder Bay Autosport Club (TBAC) started raising funds for the Northern Cancer Fund to support closer-to-home cancer care. In 2025, the event raised $8,097.70, bringing the all-time giving total to over $83,000! The organization promotes motorsport and enhances driving skills through a number of races include precision-driving time trials, ice racing, autocross, and car rallies. The club provides members with thrilling experiences for members while helping them improve driving skills. TBAC members are passionate about giving back to the community, fundraising for local charities since it started in 1967.
Watch Out for These and Other Community Events Coming Up in 2026!
healthsciencesfoundation.ca/events
Launching Your Own Community Event is Easy – with a Little Help from the Foundation!
Community events turn wishes into actions. If you have an idea for a new fundraiser for local and regional healthcare and need help, contact Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant – Events, and let's get your idea off the ground!
807-684-7778 | jenelle.dawson@healthsciencesfoundation.ca