Aaron Garcia (left) is very grateful for her friend Janine Robin's (right) support. (Submitted photo/Janine Robin)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Prince Albert woman goes extra length to help friend in need

Jun 30, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Prince Albert’s Janine Robin says she was shocked when she learned last month a close friend and co-worker at Pine Grove Correctional Centre had been diagnosed with colon cancer.

That was the reason why she created a GoFundMe campaign called “Buzzed for a Buddy.”

“She’s a single mom (two boys), and she’s off work right now so I thought if can raise $5,000 by the end of July, it would be extra money just to help her out financially,” Robin said.

Robin was able to meet the goal in about a week and so on Tuesday, fulfilled her promise to shave her hair off. Family, friends and co-workers gathered for a small event at Little Red River Park.

“It’s just hair…it’s no big deal.” Robin laughed. “There’s not a lot of friends I would do it for but she’s definitely one I would do it for.”

Fatal accident

Friday crash kills one west of Prince Albert

10h ago

Quick Visit

Prime Minister Trudeau says he had an 'excellent conversation' with Trump in Florida after tariffs threat

11h ago

Spreading the spirit

Santa Anonymous returns to Prince Albert

13h ago

A photo taken pre-cut. (Submitted photo/Janine Robin)

A photo taken near the end of the cut. (Submitted photo/Janine Robin)

Aaron Garcia, 36, started her chemotherapy treatment in Saskatoon on June 16, and helped shave off Robin’s hair.

“I’m not even surprised she would do something like this because she is such a loving person,” Garcia explained

Robin’s hair is being donated to A Child’s Voice Foundation in Ontario so that children with cancer can have wigs. As of Wednesday morning, money was also still pouring in for the Gofundme, and over $5,300 had been raised.

“I’m grateful for her and everybody else that donated; like people I don’t even know. I am blown away,” Garcia said.

Garcia and Robin share a hug after the emotional cut. (Submitted photo/ Janine Robin)

–

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell