Scott St. Amour, owner of Paper Heroes Comic Book Lounge, is once again rallying the Windsor-Essex community to support children battling cancer. The 10th annual Free Comic Book Weekend fundraiser, organized in partnership with the Fight Like Mason Foundation, is scheduled for May 2-3 at 2857 Howard Ave.
Fundraising Goal and Community Support
The two-day event aims to raise over $5,000 for childhood cancer research and family support programs. The Fight Like Mason Foundation addresses the funding gap that leaves childhood cancer underrepresented in research dollars. Organizers report an overwhelming response from local businesses, which have donated thousands of dollars in products and gift cards for raffles and prizes.
“In addition to our primary goal of raising money for childhood cancer research, I also wanted to highlight the incredible local businesses in our community and encourage people to support them,” said St. Amour. “When we support local, everybody wins.”
Event Activities and Raffle Details
The event will feature a barbecue, in-store activities, and raffle draws. Raffle tickets are priced at $2 each or three for $5. Tickets are available in advance and can also be purchased for others as a way to contribute, even if supporters cannot attend.
“The call for help is out, and we’re asking for the community’s support,” said project manager Dan Upham. “Cancer has impacted all of us in some way. We invite everyone to visit Paper Heroes during Free Comic Book Weekend to enjoy the barbecue and purchase raffle tickets.”
Participating Local Businesses
Participating businesses include Ambassador Golf Club, Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery, India 47 Restaurant + Bar, Schinkels’ Meat Market, The Breakfast Guyz, Loose Goose RestoPub and Lounge, and more.
Childhood Cancer Funding Gap
According to the Fight Like Mason Foundation, while over $520 million is invested annually in cancer research in Canada, only five to seven percent goes toward childhood and adolescent cancers. The foundation aims to close this gap by providing research funding, medical equipment, support programs, and other resources to improve the lives of children and families fighting cancer.
The Fight Like Mason Foundation was established by the family of four-year-old Mason Macri, who died in 2016 from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancerous tumour affecting soft tissues.
