This article first appeared on HaltonHillsToday March 15.
Addison Jenner Rolke cared deeply about helping others.
Now, the Georgetown girl’s family is taking inspiration from their late daughter to benefit multiple good causes.
Parents Jeff Rolke and Nancy Jenner-Rolke, in partnership with the Georgetown Hospital Foundation (GHF), have organized an online auction that’s already underway and a ball hockey tournament at the Georgetown Racquet Club on March 23.
The proceeds will be divided between Addison’s Wish Fund - which donates annually to charities that have supported the local family on their journey - and the GHF.
“Addison was very passionate about helping people. We always thought she would be a teacher,” said Nancy. “She was very caring, so for her, this (fundraiser) would be very much what she wants.”
Addison was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma - a type of brain tumour that’s rare in children - in late May 2015. A few weeks later, she passed away at the age of seven.
The local family remembers their beloved girl as feisty, kind-hearted and a “boatload of fun.”
“She gave the best hugs, had a wonderful laugh and always kept us on our toes right from day one,” said Nancy.
Since that heart-wrenching time, the community has surrounded the Rolke family with support, and local residents and businesses are once again stepping up to ensure their fundraiser is a success.
“Everyone has been so generous,” noted Jeff.
Items like gift certificates to Halton Hills restaurants and stores have been donated for the silent auction, and all of the spots have been filled for the ball hockey tournament by friends, family, former colleagues, those whose lives were touched by Addison and even some doctors from the Georgetown Hospital.
“This is a hockey town, so I think having a ball hockey tournament like this in support of the hospital and another amazing foundation that supports the community is great. It’s a perfect fit,” said Knesia Sholdra, GHF associate director of philanthropy and events.
“Jeff and Nancy are incredible members of our community. We feel very fortunate to be connected with them.”
The charity event aims to raise $20,000, with $10,000 already coming together for the hospital via $5,000 from Addison’s Wish Fund and matching donations of $2,500 each from Mountainview Dental and Mountainview Residence.
Sholdra said the money will go toward the highest-priority equipment and technology needs at Georgetown Hospital.
Since Addison’s Wish is an endowment fund, donations made gather interest and grow in perpetuity. Part of the income earned is then donated annually to charities.
“Addison just wanted to help people, and ultimately that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Nancy.
Some of the causes Addison’s Wish has supported over the years include the Ronald McDonald House (Hamilton), the Lighthouse for Grieving Children and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, which ensures children facing cancer and their families receive one-on-one care and support.
Local residents are invited to come and cheer on the ball hockey teams at the fundraiser March 23 at the Georgetown Racquet Club, located at 215 Armstrong Ave., with the first game starting at 1 p.m.
The online auction runs until March 24 and can be found here.
Those interested in contributing to Addison’s Wish can do so at addisonswish.com.
