Raising $7500 for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

May 17, 2016

Guest Blogger and Bergström style ambassador Gill Grant, shares a story about how her relentless support for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre inspired us to give and participate in a small event that raised a jaw-dropping $7500 in one night! - Thank you for the kind words Gill!

I had finished chemo and was relieved and excited to be in remission from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I met Christina Bergstrom. In fact I had just started volunteering in the chemo unit at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and I was on my way home from the hospital when I noticed a women sewing in a window on Queen street east. She had the most beautiful fabric. I knocked. She waved me in. This was back in the old days when Bergstrom Originals was a very small storefront and Christina sewed with vintage fabric right there in the shop.

We became friends. I started wearing her bright and beautiful clothes every Wednesday for my volunteer shift. In 2013, Christina launched the Butterfly collection and all proceeds went to support Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

It’s been 11 years of Wednesdays, and Bergstrom Originals have become a legacy of colour in the chemo waiting room. I will be forever grateful to The Princess Margaret for saving my life. I started doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer to raise money and awareness….but mostly, I ride because I can. I ride to remember.

I decided to host a fundraising clothing sale for all the women I know. A backyard-glass of wine- shop til you drop- kind of thing. Christina didn’t hesitate: I will donate shoes, purses, and clothing, she declared! I will empty out my basement stock and you can have all of it for your sale. On May 4, 2016, we raised $7500 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

I was speechless!!! Aren’t you???

This is what happens when you wake up in the morning and decide to make a difference in the world. This is what happens when a community of women in the east end of Toronto decides to be relentless in their support for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This is what happens when a small business owner steps up to help fund the cure.

THANK YOU Christina Bergstrom.

 

IMAGES: Top: pre-sale, a backyard is transformed. Left: Gill Grant wearing Bergstrom SS16 collection. Images by Lisa Robertson

Note from Christina: I am always inspired by the amazing women who shop and wear Bergström. Gill's passion for life and giving back to PMCC is like nothing I have ever experienced. She is a force to be reckoned with. I thank her for having the strength to share her story - and for inviting me to be a part of her efforts. If you would like to support Gill's ride for the Ride to Conquer Cancer please click here 

 

 

 

 

 

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