Wellspring Niagara benefits from the generosity of the Niagara community throughout the year, and on Sept. 14 and 15 the cancer support agency wants to return the favour, Jacqueline Ireland says.
"Wellspring Niagara has been a unique and vital partner in the cancer care community for 25 years,” said Ireland, who is Wellspring’s community engagement and events coordinator “We offer support for anyone affected by cancer through in-person and online services. Together, we are making a significant difference and for this, we can't thank (the community) enough."
With that in mind, Wellspring will be hosting its annual community weekend event as a way of saying thank-you the community for its support.
This year, the event has expanded from one to two days.
Day 1 on Sept. 14 will feature a host of local vendors during the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Afterwards, visitors will be able to sample food from local food trucks and enjoy live entertainment provided by Andy Colonico and Beatles tribute Revolver until 10 p.m.
Colonico, known for his duties as frontman for Welland rockers Revive the Rose, has been dabbling in country music recently with his most recent single “HELL YEAH” receiving airplay on Niagara radio station Country 89. He will be performing with guitarist and “right-hand man,” Alex Hobson for the show.
“Country's been really good. It’s full of a lot of surprises,” Colonico said. “I feel like it's been a great thing for me to pursue as I'm not getting any younger.”
Helping Wellspring is a natural for the singer. His aunt is Ann Mantini-Celima, Wellspring’s executive director. Mantini-Celima’s brother, Aldo, sought to bring a cancer support centre to Niagara. Aldo passed away as the result of cancer at the age of 31. Ann vowed to continue to pursue her brother’s dream and two years later, Wellspring Niagara opened its doors in a 2,000 square-foot building in Thorold.
But its more than just family that motivates him to help.
“I stand for what Wellspring Niagara provides for people living with cancer and for people living with those people,” Colonico said. “It's just a great facility that offers a whole lot of resources and just a lot of positive things that are available for people living with cancer.”
The night market will also include a beer and wine tent, featuring local providers.
On the Sunday, families have a chance to try out goat yoga. Activities also feature a free pancake brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including fruit and apple cider, and a Kids’ Zone with face painting and lawn games. Pelham Fire and Emergency Series, the Niagara Regional Police and Niagara EMS will also have vehicles on site for kids to check out as well, Ireland said.
Sunday will also be live entertainment featuring Niagara Falls singer-songwriter Evan Rotella.
The Wellspring event is happening at the same time as a Town of Pelham celebration marking the sixth anniversary of the opening of the Meridian Community Centre (MCC). On the Saturday, Wellspring Way, from Meridian Way to the entrance of the MCC parking lot will be closed to accommodate the Wellspring event, Ireland said.
She added that the event is being made possible with the help of various sponsors. Proceeds from beer and wine sales, as well as a 50-50 draw will go to support Wellspring Niagara and help it continue offer support and programs for individuals and their families who are living with cancer.
More information is available at www.wellspring.ca
