Support For Cole Is On A Roll

(Page 7)
By Todd Curran
Since Cole Irvine's paralyzing accident on August 1st, the people in our community have turned out in droves to support the young man and his family.
Friends and family of the 22 year-old have been organizing fundraisers on his behalf and the community response is heartwarming. Cole's friends worked as security and bartenders at the Millarville Rodeo, donating their wages and welcoming donations to help Cole and his mom Shirley with his recovery. “We raised over $11,000 at the Rodeo,” says Lori Collins, owner of Cougars Sports Bar in Turner Valley. “Curtis Geyer, who bought Cole's horse a while back, donated it to be auctioned off at the Rodeo and raised around $4,000. Everybody that contributed and volunteered did an amazing job.”
The gang also held a Sunday Fun Day Festival at Royalite Millennium Park in Turner Valley on August 15th and saw a spectacular turnout for the affair. Chase Hummel and other local musicians rocked the gazebo with live entertainment at the all ages show, while children had their faces painted, enjoyed cupcakes sold by Cole's friends to raise funds and checked out the hula hoop performers. Cole's crew also sold T-shirts and barbecued food, both of which were a hit with the crowd. “It was a three hour event and we raised $5711.02,” says Lori. “We did really, really well.”
A family event to raise funds for Cole and his mother Shirley is in the works for September 10th and will feature live music, a live auction, dance and other activities. The venue is still to be determined, but will be published in the September 7th issue of the Gateway Gazette.  
A trust account has been established for John Cole Irvine at ATB Black Diamond and anyone can donate to the account. For more information on donations or the event, contact Lori at 403-801-9992.