Huntingdon’s Betty Riel was featured on Global TV’s The Morning Show on November 2, when it was revealed she had been selected as a grand prize winner in the “Sunlight Helping Canadians Shine” contest. Sponsored by Sunlight, the laundry soap and detergent brand, the contest awards $10,000 to people who make their community a better place.
Riel was nominated by long-time friend Sharon Thurston, who wrote an essay describing Betty’s efforts over the last 18 years to facilitate transportation for cancer patients in the Haut-Saint-Laurent through the Betty Riel Foundation. Thurston’s granddaughter, Kaitlyn Stavely, produced a moving three-minute video featuring Riel, with clips and photos of the many fundraising activities that have taken place over the years and patients who have benefited from the Foundation.
The organization has provided well over 8,170 rides for cancer patients since it was founded in 2005. As of November 1, the costs associated with this have surpassed a half-million dollars – most of which has been raised by the community. While graciously accepting her prize, Riel highlighted how the community continues to come together to allow the Foundation to help those fighting cancer. (SR)
