CORNWALL, Ontario – In an epic display of community support, people packed into the New Rangatang’s Nightclub on Sunday afternoon to raise money for Hannah Jackson and her family.
Jackson is currently in the ICU in Ottawa after she was critically injured in a fatal Nov. 30 car crash on Highway 2 in South Glengarry, which claimed the lives of Jeff Dobson, of South Stormont, and Kyle Quesnel, of Cornwall, both 20.
“Hannah has a really long recovery ahead of her and it’s become very expensive with trips back and forth and this money will help her family a lot and also go towards anything she needs to help her get better” said event organizer Melissa Greer, Jackson’s aunt.
The Hannah’s Helpers Fundraiser drew a large crowd and included live and silent auctions, a 50/50 draw, and a bake sale, all of which allowed those in attendance to show their support and proved, once again, that the people of Cornwall and area never hesitate to come together to help one of their own.
Many volunteers assisted during the Dec. 11 event and one of Hannah’s helpers, Shaun Lafave, was happy to help out. Lafave has first-hand experience with the abundance of support shown by the community, as his daughter Laycey was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year.
“Melissa helped plan a fundraiser for my daughter and now I am able to give back and help her out after this tragic accident” said Lafave, proving how giving back often comes full circle.
He added “This community is like a family and Hannah is one of us and I can’t believe that for such a small community, how many people always seem to come out and help”.
While in stable condition, Jackson’s fight continues and Greer explained that the road ahead will be a long one, adding through tears “She is a very strong person and she has an amazing, amazing support system and seeing everyone who came out today, I’m overwhelmed”.
A GoFundMe page, Hope for Hannah, has also been set up and anyone interested in donating can find more information here.
