Local family needs community support
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Sarah Kelford
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EMC News - The family of Rene Faucher is looking for the support of the community following an accident during a pick-up hockey game on Sunday, Jan. 17 that left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Joel Brown
Don Brown and his wife Joyce are shown with the 'Mark Lowry Memorial Award' which he received during the annual Ottawa Sports Awards ceremonies held at Algonquin College Jan. 20. The prestigious honour is presented for lifetime achievement in sports volunteerism or administration. Brown, a retired school principal who lives in Kanata, has devoted 32 years to his second career as a hockey administrator.
Faucher, a 40 year-old businessman, was playing a game of hockey at the University of Ottawa when he fell head first into the boards resulting in severe spinal cord injuries. After undergoing surgery, Faucher was told not to expect to walk again.
With no long-term disability insurance and Faucher being expected to stay in hospital for at least a year, Faucher and his wife Dianne Douglas, who have three children under the age of five, are fighting for their future.
"Most of you know Rene and Dianne well, but for those of you who do not, they are the type of people that truly make a difference in our community," wrote Faucher's brother Marc on various Facebook support groups. "They are caring and giving beyond belief. Dianne has been raising money for various charities in Ottawa for the past 10 years. Now is our time to return the favour."
Until Feb. 7, the four Sports Experts locations in Ottawa are donating all the skate sharpening proceeds to the Faucher family.
Faucher's family and friends are organizing a fundraiser event with a live and silent auction on Wednesday, March 3 at Foundation Restaurant.
The evening begins at 7 p.m. and costs $50 at the door. Auction items include autographed NHL swag, hockey tickets, cooking classes, original artwork and a gym membership.
A trust fund has been set up for donations.
To make a donation, visit any Scotiabank and deposit to: Faucher Douglas Trust Fund Account 0016713 or by mail, with cheque payable to "Faucher Douglas Trust Fund" Scotiabank, Attention Russ Reil, 25 Toronto St. North, Markdale, Ont. N0C 1H0.
There is also the option to pay online by PayPal.
"I would ask you to reach into your hearts and only imagine if you were in this situation how grateful you would be to have the help of the people who love you and the support of your local community," Marc continued. "Please donate today to help this amazing family that really needs our support. Every donation counts and will make a difference."
To donate, or for more information, visit www.faucherdouglastrustfund.com.
