For ninth birthday, Tiny girl gives gift to cancer centre

While Ella Simonneta may have only just turned nine, she’s already providing a great example of how to make the world a better place.

While many would celebrate their birthday as a chance to get some great gifts from family and friends, the Tiny Township girl decided to forgo gifts this year and instead raise funds for the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBSCS) in Penetanguishene.

“I have a lot of stuff so I don’t think I need more stuff,” Ella explained, adding she wanted to do something special for her June 28 birthday that could help others dealing with cancer.

She was moved to raise funds for the centre after her great-grandfather and great-aunt had lost their battle with cancer.

So her mother Laura got in touch with the GBCSC about organizing a third-party fundraiser for Ella’s birthday. Working with Paul Eichhorn, the centre's fundraising and outreach manager, an online donation page for Ella’s birthday was created.

The centre also had summer student staffer Carly White (social media and digital content creator) capture some great images and video during the birthday celebration held a few days before the birthday girl’s big day (a video reel from the event was posted on the GBCSC’s Facebook and Instagram pages).

All totalled, $700 was raised for the Centre in just one week thanks to Ella, her family and friends.

“We greatly appreciate Ella’s huge gesture of giving to help the centre,” Eichhorn said. “This support means a lot to our members who benefit greatly from programs and other assistance provided by the GBCSC.”

Eichhorn added that the centre is always open to assist those in the community who want to raise funds for the GBCSC.

Anyone interested in organizing a third-party fundraiser can contact Eichhorn at [email protected] or (705) 549-6444, ext. 204.