(Submitted photo/ Christina Lepage)

By Nigel Maxwell

Good Deeds

Local teen sets $12,000 fundraising goal

Feb 10, 2020 | 2:00 PM

Prince Albert’s Jackson Lepage has set a lofty goal of raising $12,000 for a cause close to his heart.

The 14-year-old has been raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Saskatchewan since he was 11.

“I would like to raise awareness but also help make a cure for people,” he said.

When Jackson was younger, his god parents were diagnosed with the neurological disease, and they were forced to move away to Regina. The news came as a big blow to Jackson and his family.

“When I was a kid they always used to babysit for me and we have gotten pretty close,” he explained.

On the ice

Weekend rink report: Mintos split in Southern Sask., Northern Bears swept by Regina

3h ago

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

8h ago

Podium finish

Carlton boys claim third at 5A provincials, first provincial medal in volleyball since 2014

10h ago

A photo taken of Jackson with his godparents. (Submitted photo/ Christina Lepage)

One of Jackson’s first big fundraisers was a 400 km trek in 2017 with his mom. Beginning with the MS Walk in Regina, the two took part in various physical activities afterwards including kayaking, a horseback ride, and swimming. At the time they managed to raise close to $5,000.

The MS bike ride at Waskesiu takes place in September and Jackson said if they raise the $12,000 he could qualify for a bigger bike ride. One of his first fundraisers is coming up on Sunday, Feb. 16, a games night at Amy’s on Second.

“Basically you can just come and there will be a bunch of games you can play, and we will be providing snacks,” he said.

Canadian Tire and Superstore have donated the games for the event.Tickets are $15 each or $40 per family, and can be purchased at Amy’s on Second. Jackson’s mother Christina said she is very proud of her son.

“He’s a very determined fellow,” she said, fighting back tears as she described how Jackson’s godparents follow him on Facebook and cheer him on.

A photo taken of Jackson and his mom Christina – his biggest supporter. (Submitted photo/ Christina Lepage)

In addition to the various MS bike rides and walks across Saskatchewan Jackson has already become quite the celebrity around his own city, organizing rides around the Rotary Trail, and walks through Kinsmen Park. His classmates even joined him for a special walk to school one day.

“We are really trying to engage the community,” Christina said, acknowledging her son’s current goal was a big one.

She said the games night at Amy’s will be the first of several fundraisers but not all the final plans have been worked out. The family also hopes to find some local sponsors.

“We are just trying to find lots of different ideas,” she said. “There are lots of charities out there to support so we are trying to make this fun and engaging and hopefully people will be interested.”

Anyone interested in helping the cause, can check out Jackson’s Facebook page.

–

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell