My name is Ashley Legere, and I’m organizing this fundraiser for Dave Carey because sometimes people who have spent their lives working hard and contributing to their community find themselves needing a little help themselves.

For those who don’t know Dave, he’s been part of the Sackville community for years. He studied at Mount Allison University and many of you may know him from his work with Woodpecker Tree Care, while others may recognize him from his Leather-working business, where he created beautiful handcrafted pieces. Dave has always taken pride in his work, in making things with his own hands, and in providing for himself and his family.

Right now, things are difficult.

Dave is dealing with health challenges related to a brain tumour and is waiting for his benefits to come through. In the meantime, the everyday expenses of life haven’t stopped. There’s rent to pay, medical appointments to get to, groceries to buy, and, most importantly, a little girl named Amelia who still needs all the things that come with being a kid.

I’m reaching out because I care about Dave, and because I know how quickly circumstances can change for any one of us. You can work your whole life, do everything you can to look after yourself and your family, and still find yourself in a situation where the money coming in simply doesn’t cover what’s going out.

It’s a difficult position to be in, and asking for help can be even harder.

My hope is that we can raise enough to cover some of Dave’s immediate expenses while he waits for his benefits, so he can put his energy into his health and being there for Amelia rather than worrying about how he’s going to keep a roof over their heads.

I’m not asking anyone to give more than they can afford. I know how expensive life has become, and I know many families are struggling themselves. But if enough of us can spare even a little, we can make a meaningful difference for Dave and Amelia.

I’ve always believed that the strength of a community isn’t measured by how well we celebrate together when things are good, but by how we look after each other when things aren’t.

Dave has been part of this community for a long time. He’s worked here, built a business here, and contributed to the place so many of us call home.

I’d really like to see us help him through this.

Whether you donate, share this fundraiser, or simply reach out with a kind word, it all matters.

Thank you for helping me make sure Dave and Amelia have a little less to worry about over the coming weeks.

With gratitude.