The momentum to assist a local family in dire financial need comes to a peak tomorrow in downtown Cochrane.

On Saturday, Feb. 17, Cochranites are invited to throw their support behind the Mendoza family by making a $20 donation while picking up a takeout lunch at Giga's Pinoy Carendaria, located in the downtown 4th Ave. strip mall (211-4th Ave.) between noon and 2 p.m. You can also visit Bubble Tea Brewers in the same strip mall to choose from a selection of bubble teas for $10 during those same two hours.

The cost of the supplies has been donated, allowing 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to the Mendoza family. The funds are being administered by the Filipino-Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA).

Lorilynn Mendoza has undergone four surgeries for brain cancer that has now been declared inoperable.  Her husband, Chris has been unable to work much while attending to his wife and two young boys, leaving the family in financial peril.

Lorilynn is bed-ridden, and her father recently arrived from the Philippines to be by her side.

After reading about their situation on cochranenow.com, Dan Kroffat was so moved, he put together the fundraising event.

Since then, many businesses, organizations and residents have stepped forward to assist.

"We've got an amazing fundraiser going, even though it's a very sad story," says Kroffat. "We know the outcome. The prognosis is not great. But you know what? With the money that's coming in, it's going to change the lives of these people. They're not going to have to worry about their financial concerns over the next few months. I think that's a great load off their minds."

Related Stories