Bernadette Lavoie (right) stands with Hope's Home Regional Fundraising Manager Mickey MacGillivray. (Submitted/ Bernadette Lavoie)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Prince Albert woman raises over $20K for local daycare, sets all sights on Kilimanjaro

Jan 10, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Before climbing one of the world’s highest mountains this month, Prince Albert’s Bernadette Lavoie has already accomplished a major feat.

Within less than three months, she managed to raise over $22,000 for Hope’s Home. When the owner of North Country Medi-Spa initially announced her plans last October to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, she had set a goal to raise $19,371 – a dollar for every foot of the mountain.

“Now that I’ve reached this goal, I feel even more motivated to climb the mountain,” Lavoie told paNOW on Tuesday.

Looking back on the campaign, Lavoie noted there was a gradual start with lots of initial support from friends and family, but as they advertised more and as Hope’s Home followed along with that advertising, it took off.

One of the more recent big donations came from Shelley Gordon, Owner of Sixth Ave. Car Wash, in the form of a $1,000 cheque. Gem Denture Clinic and Crescent Park Dental also provided support.

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Lavoie leaves for her six-day trip on Friday, and the following Monday will begin the climb. During this time, a guide will bring her up and then back down in increments, to help climatize her and prevent elevation sickness. Over the course of the journey, she’s expecting to encounter five different climate zones.

So in addition to her fundraising efforts these past months, Lavoie has also been busy training.

“I had to stop the stair climber because my feet were getting sore. Now its its just a lot of endurance and strength training. I feel ready,” she said.

Hope’s Home provides care for children who have complex medical needs. Mickey MacGillivray, regional fundraising manager at Hope’s Home, explained the money raised by Lavoie will go toward nursing care, as well as therapy support such as speech development.

“Money like this fills in the gaps that are not supported by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education,” she said.

Reflecting back on when Lavoie initially pitched the fundraising idea, MacGillivray said she never had any doubts her friend would raise the money, but added the fact she went past the goal is just unreal.

“I don’t know how many people live in Albertville but I’m sure that every single one of them have supported Bernadette through this journey,” she said.

Those wishing to donate to Journey with Bernie, can still do so through etransfer (journeywithbernie@hopeshome.org) or through the Hope’s Home website.

Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. And those wishing to follow Lavoie’s journey can also do so through the website.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell