Maria Loares remembers the frozen roads and the blackness that had enveloped many of the streets as she drove her three-year-old daughter to the hospital just past 3 a.m. through one of the worst ice storms in Toronto’s history.
“I can never forget that stormy freezing rain because that’s the day our lives changed,” she said.
The day before, her daughter, Hailey Delaney, had started getting mysterious bruises on her legs. At first, Maria thought maybe they came from her playing. That evening, Maria’s fears grew as Hailey got another bruise on her arm. Then, in the early hours of December 22, 2013, Hailey’s nose began to bleed and they could not get it to stop.
At the hospital, Hailey went through test after test. Later that day, she would be diagnosed with T-cell Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).
Motorcycle enthusiasts took to the roads of Southern Ontario for the 5th Annual Ride for a Cure, raising more than $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
“At its core, Ride for a Cure is about doing everything we can to help find a cure for this disease that affects so many families across this country,” said Diana O’Brien, a Local 1000A activist who helped coordinate the event with Local 175 & 633’s John DiNardo.
The ride drew 50 participants. It started at Local 1000A’s office in Woodbridge, Ontario and ended at Local 175’s office in Mississauga, Ontario.
“On behalf of Local 1000A, I want to thank our amazing riders, supporters, staff, sponsors, and organizers Diana O’Brien and John DiNardo for making Ride for a Cure such a success year after year,” said Kevin Benn, Secretary-Treasurer for Local 1000A. "By coming together, we are making a difference in the lives of patients with leukemia."
Have your photograph showcased in the 2015 Leukemia Cash Calendar! Send your high-resolution photo along with your name and work location to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Febuary 28, 2014.
Photos of landscapes and objects are preferred. Photos of individuals are not recommended. The 13 members that have their picture chosen will be given a free Cash Calendar.
UFCW Canada Local 1000A welcomed 1,100 members, family members and friends to Wild Water Kingdom for its annual Members’ Day.
The event drew members from across Southern Ontario from a variety of workplaces and sectors.
“We had a great time,” said Alicia Wynn, who works at Kretschmar.
