Challenge accepted.
Londoners didn't only meet a fundraising challenge extended last month by former NHLer Brandon Prust, they exceeded it.
The Children’s Health Foundation announced on Tuesday a total of $52,215 has been raised to help cover the cost of accommodations and other expenses for families with sick children at Children's Hospital.
“It is incredible to see our community come together for local families in their time of need and I am thrilled that we were able to reach our goal and double the amount of support we can provide. These families are indirectly affected by COVID-19 and it is important we stand by them right now,” Prust, founder of The Brandon Prust Foundation, said in a statement.
The former London Knight and 2005 Memorial Cup champion took to social media to encourage the community to match his foundation’s $25,000 donation to the hospital's family assistance program on April 28. The program helps cover the cost of hotel accommodations, in-hospital meals, groceries, parking, travel, drugs, and internet access for families of sick kids. Last year, 1,657 families were helped through the family assistance program. However, demand for financial support from the fund has increased dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began as regular accommodation options were no longer being offered due to safety concerns related to the virus.
"The virus has complicated care and reduced access to services families count on," said Children’s Health Foundation President Scott Fortnum. "I want to thank Brandon Prust for being a community champion and leading the way to show these families they are not alone during this difficult and uncertain time. And thank you to the community for stepping up to the challenge. You are making a big difference, allowing parents to focus on their sick child."
The Brandon Prust Foundation raised the initial $25,000 in March through an Instagram gardening challenge. Clintar owner Dave Moore pledged $1,000 to have Prust do some maintenance on his lawn. The challenge quickly grew with the hockey player, who spent hours beautifying Moore's lawn, reaching out to others to join the fundraising effort.