Metro Vancouver fishermen and volunteers will come together this weekend for an annual fish sale that helps support children battling cancer in B.C.
Hundreds of volunteers are busy preparing for the ninth Fisherman Helping Kids with Cancer herring sale, being held in both Richmond and Victoria on Saturday, Jan. 25.
All proceeds from the event go toward supporting children receiving cancer treatment through the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
A B.C. commercial fisherman’s inspirational daughter, who was fighting cancer, originally sparked the idea for the charity almost a decade ago.
“Moved by her steadfast three-year battle with cancer, a fellow fisherman came up with the idea of the B.C. commercial fishing industry holding a herring sale to help all kids with cancer,” the charity website states.
“Though she helped in the planning, our inspiration died at the age of 17, just a few days before the inaugural herring sale in 2011.”
Hundreds of volunteers are busy preparing for the ninth Fisherman Helping Kids with Cancer herring sale, being held in both Richmond and Victoria on Saturday, Jan. 25. Photo: FHKWC
Phil Eidsvik, event organizer, said FHKWC had since raised nearly $700,000 to spend on improving the quality of life for kids with cancer. He said donations and money raised went toward sustaining a library of games and books, food for special holiday occasions, and other comfort items unsupported by the hospital’s budget.
“The best thing about this event is knowing that the money we raise buys iPads, video game systems, snacks, books and lots of other items that make a day in the hospital a little easier for kids with cancer,” Eidsvik said.
Each 20lbs bag of herring is $15; all of its cost to fish and bag donated by FHKWC’s generous sponsors of commercial fishermen and volunteers. For the first time, the herring sale will also include hake – a lean white fish part of the cod family.
Alternatively, you can support FHKWC by making a donation on the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation website.
FHKWC’S Herring Sale
When and where: Saturday Jan. 26, 2020. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 12740 Trites Road in Richmond and both Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 27 Erie Street in Victoria.
