Fundraising for BRIGHT Run!
Submitted by Julie D.
October was breast cancer awareness month. It was also the start of fundraising for a BRIGHT Run teenager.
You’ve seen these fundraising ideas on social media, such as silent auctions, craft sales, garage sales, bake sales, Trivia nights and many more.
But have you heard about someone at the opposite end of the city helping your fundraising journey without being asked?
No one imagined that Justin’s 2027 fundraising was going to be kickstarted by a complete stranger— Christine Tedesco, the owner of the Sweet Expressions store in Binbrook.
Justin, 19, is heading into his seventh year of fundraising for the BRIGHT Run. Now attending McMaster University, he started Team ATAC (Ancaster Teens Against Cancer) in 2021, with a group of friends after one of their mothers was diagnosed with breast cancer. When the friend group dispersed after high school, Justin joined the BRIGHT Run team Linear Accelerators.
Justin’s family is known to sell crafts and pink items at local craft markets and at the Juravinski Cancer Centre (JCC). At the end of the summer, they took a chance on an outdoor market located in the driveway at Sweet Expressions in Binbrook. They managed to spread awareness about the 19th BRIGHT Run and raised some funds too. Then they packed up the tent for the season after three Saturdays. Done.
Apparently not! Christine, a breast cancer survivor/thriver, had BRIGHTer plans. For the month of October, she set up a breast cancer awareness campaign inside Sweet Expressions. This included a town-wide scavenger hunt, candy guess, instructional paint sessions, a wellness talk and … (drum roll) … an entire shelving unit decorated for the sole purpose of fundraising for the BRIGHT Run. Local vendors were approached, donations provided, and proceeds from the sales were being set aside for Justin’s goal. This teen’s story hit a sweet spot in Christine’s passionate heart while he was off studying. Word spread and, in mid-October, CHCH Morning Live visited Binbrook to find out more about Christine’s journey, her Sweet Expressions store, the connection with the BRIGHT Run and the fundraising campaign. Watch it here:
Link: https://www.chch.com/morning-live/express-yourself-with-sweet-gifts-from-shop-in-binbrook/
More than $1,600 was raised thanks to a small business owner with a passion for helping her community. A BRIGHT start to Justin’s seventh straight year of fundraising. Christine’s hope is to push him beyond $4,000 for 2027.
No time like the present to think about what your team can come up with to start fundraising for the 20th BRIGHT Run! Get those teens involved too!
