Pumpkin Promise proves a big success
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The numbers are in, and there’s proof positive Chris Okell’s Pumpkin Promise fundraiser portrays the power of the pumpkin.
This fall, the River Park South resident once again held the fundraiser at his southeast Winnipeg home, which included the display of massively sized, carved pumpkins and a fireworks display on Halloween.
He began the initiative more than a decade ago in memory of his mother, Marietta, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2010.
Supplied photo
Pictured, from left: CancerCare Manitoba’s Donna Laurin is presented with a cheque by Chris Okell.
Okell recently presented a cheque to CancerCare Manitoba for $18,250, representing the fruit of his labours.
“Another amazing year was had,” Okell said recently in an email, noting the initiative has now raised more than $100,000 since he started it 12 years ago.
“I remember standing in my driveway a year or so after mom passed. I just had a rush over me and looked up and said ‘OK, mom, what can I do?’”
“When my time is done on this earth, I will leave my mark. And I hope people will remember a little guy like me with some big pumpkins stood up for people who needed help.”
Pictured, from left: CancerCare Manitoba’s Donna Laurin is presented with a cheque by Chris Okell.