It could be described as an incredible show of support last night as a community came together in support of two brave little girls facing the toughest battles of their tiny lives.
A special event, the Double the Love Fundraiser, took place at the Lakeshore Recreation fitness and Banquet Facility in Port Elgin Friday night in support of 5-month-old Kyleigh Buckton and 5-month-old Lydia Caven.
Kyleigh Buckton, 5 mths.
Both little girls born with congenital heart defects and while Kyleigh has already undergone surgery (at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children) and getting stronger every day, as is baby Lydia who has also undergone delicate surgery to repair her heart and is said to be doing very well.
Hundreds of people filed through the event last (Friday) night, showing love and support, a celebration of two little lives that have touched so many people; a true testament to the strength and love of a small community that really does look after its own.
Lydia Caven, 5 mths.
"It was unreal, it was surreal and it just made you (me) feel so proud to live there. I think that that's, you know, just what the community is; people just come together when they need to and I think that people wanted to come out too and enjoy the actual social night and celebrate that the girls are doing so well," says Farley Ring, Fundraiser Organizer and Aunt to 5-month-old Kyleigh Buckton.
The night featured an abundance of donated items all part of a large silent auction; not only did the donors go the extra mile to pitch in, but almost every person at the event also dug deep into their pockets, wallets and purses to give in whatever way they could.
It was all about strength in numbers, strength in community, and helping out those closest to us.
"I think that was the best part about it; when someone is down, everybody tries to pick them back up," adds Ring.
And that's exactly what the Community of Saugeen Shores has done.
As for the total amount of funds raised at Friday night's event, no numbers have yet been announced. But it's sure to be as generous as all those who gave and supported the girls and their families.