Melfort’s annual ‘Believe in the Gold Walk’ event is set to return for its sixth year to the Royal Canadian Legion on Sept. 24 from 4:15 p.m to 6:30 p.m. Originally created by a Calgary-based community fundraising organization, the local event is kept alive by a dedicated Melfort resident.
Mavis Durrell, described by the organization as a ‘devoted supporter and member,’ has kept the tradition alive, turning her family’s personal heartache into hope for others.
“My granddaughter got leukemia. She was 15-months-old, but she’s 11, and she’s thriving and she’s amazing,” said Durrell. “This organization saved my family for the three years that Zarah fought—so I just want to give back.”
The walk is held to raise awareness and money for the Believe in the Gold Childhood Cancer Foundation, which helps families of children with cancer and funds pediatric cancer research.
Participants gather, walk through the communities, and end the evening with a post-walk barbecue that will cost $10 towards fundraising for the event.
“My life was kind of a blur back then because Zarah got diagnosed in 2016. So we just started very small and friends just walked up and down the main street of Melfort with signs,” she said. “Today it’s gotten to be much bigger.”
Durrell expressed frustration over the decline of childhood cancer walks in neighbouring communities.
“It’s sad because Regina used to have a huge run for Believe in the Gold, and they don’t do it anymore. They can’t get people to organize it, their volunteers,” she said. “I don’t understand why this kind of stopped.”
Despite this, Durrell continues to remain motivated for her granddaughter.
“Just the fact that they help my family survive through the nightmare,” she said. “When she went through chemo, she had to have her appendix removed. She lost her hair twice. She does have a little bit of hearing issues from all the treatments, but she’s a very strong girl.”
Additionally, she shared a message of support for families going through similar experiences.
“Reach out. Don’t feel like you’re alone. There are organizations that can help,” said Durrell.
The Believe in the Gold Walk will take place on Sept. 24 at the Royal Canadian Legion from 4:15 p.m to 6:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero, and have the chance to win a prize.
“I just wish other communities would do it too, it’s all in community effort,” said Durrell.
Proceeds will go towards families in need of financial support for expenses they may face while caring for their child.
