A Windsor fundraiser supporting cancer treatment has raised more than $100,000 since it began nearly a decade ago. The Carve 4 Cancer fundraiser announced the annual campaign’s winners on Friday afternoon. The initiative asks local businesses to sponsor a giant locally grown pumpkin and compete to carve the most creative gourd. “My favourite part is being able to see the effects that it has on people. It’s always been our goal not only to raise money, but to actually see the impact that it has and the joy that we’re able to bring, with these pumpkins,” said Lindsey Bareich, who started the fundraiser. As part of this year’s campaign, $15,072 was raised to support the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. Since the cause was started in 2018, Carve 4 Cancer has raised more than $108,000, Bareich announced on Friday. “Back in 2018, I don’t think I thought we would still be doing this, but I am so happy that we are,” said Bareich. Businesses are judged in various categories by staff, patients, the extended community, and a panel of judges. From references to classic characters to towering displays, and the use of props, creations are far from your average jack-o’-lantern. As the organizer, Bareich admitted she can’t pick a favourite from the batch. Placed in the walkway of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, she admitted her favourite part is the impact it can have on those who are working or going through treatment. “So it’s always great to see the smiles that we get on people’s faces just as they walk by. Because these pumpkins really are unbelievable,” she added. Funds raised will support capital purchases at the cancer centre, which are largely paid for through the foundation.
