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Family of kids help others at Christmas

Kids came up with an idea to hold fundraisers for two families they know both affected by cancer, instead of receiving Christmas presents.
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When Sandi Edel asked her five adopted children to sit down and make a Christmas wish list, she got a pleasant surprise.

"Why don't we give this year?" asked the youngest, five-year-old Damon.

The five — Kiara, 16, Jaeden, 13, Lillie, 12, David, 6, and Damon — came up with an idea to hold fundraisers for two families they know both affected by cancer, instead of receiving Christmas presents, said Sandi.

One of the families has a 17-year-old boy battling brain cancer, and the other is a single mom going through her second bout of cancer.

The kids wanted to help both families, and so the Cancer Sucks fundraiser was born.

Last week the Edels started collecting bottles and cans by going door-to-door, plus they're doing a toonie drive.

"We're really grateful that we're adopted, and we wanted to give back," said Lillie.

The five were all once foster children. They all wrote letters to the ministry of children services asking to be placed in a permanent home with Sandi. The adoptions were all approved.

The kids are all high achievers in school, too.

"I'm so proud of them," said Sandi. "They're going to do great things in giving back as they get older."

The Edels are having a hot dog fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 30 at PriceSmart Foods from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will also be a burger, fries and beer fundraiser at Corky's Irish Pub on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door, or from Sandi.

Those wanting to donate bottles and cans can drop them off at the Return-It Chilliwack Bottle Depot at 2-45934 Tretheway Ave. under the group name 'Cancer Sucks'.

People wishing to donate money, purchase tickets to the burger fundraiser, or for other inquiries can call Sandi at 604-798-4085, or email sandi1285@hotmail.com.

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Jenna Hauck

About the Author: Jenna Hauck

I started my career at The Chilliwack Progress in 2000 as a photojournalist.
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