Pledges are being collected in the Melfort Mall to go toward the Childhood Cancer Society. (Facebook/Mavis Durell)

By Angie Rolheiser

Believe in the Gold

Melfort woman raising funds, organizing walk for childhood cancer

Sep 21, 2020 | 12:02 PM

A walk in Melfort on Wednesday will aim to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer.

The Believe in the Gold foundation walk’s typically take place in the larger cities like Regina and Saskatoon but have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Mavis Durell felt it was important to organize a walk and collect pledges that will go toward developing new medications for children with cancer.

“I feel for the charities because they haven’t been to raise money like they usually do for the children,” Durell said.

The socially distant walk will leave from the Melfort Mall parking lot during the lunch hour and will go south on Main Street to Saskatchewan Drive, back to the mall. Those wishing to participate are asked to meet at around 11:30 a.m.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Ferland earns Grey Cup ring

'A wonderful human being': High school coach thrilled Logan Ferland is a Grey Cup champion

Nov 17, 2025

Around $1,000 has been collected by Durell so far by setting up twice in the mall asking for pledges.

“I’m really thrilled with Melfort and their generosity and kindness, so hopefully I can collect a bit more on Wednesday,” Durell said.

The money will then be sent into the Childhood Cancer Society.

Durrel’s granddaughter Zarah, who is now five years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 14 months old.

“For three years she has received chemo, blood transfusions, bone marrow samples, and she lost her hair twice,” Durell said. “She is a wonderful, happy, five-year-old today.”

Zarah at last year’s Believe in the Gold walk in Regina. (Facebook/Britney Durell)

She still has hearing and nasal issues that the family is hoping a specialist can help with.

The Believe in the Gold Foundation covers the three prairie provinces to support families who are dealing with childhood cancer.

“It helps with food and accommodations and that really saved my daughter and her family immensely,” Durell said.

Last year, Durell raised around $1,000 in pledges which she brought to the Believe in the Gold walk in Regina.

“Zarah got a brand new bike for the pledges we collected and it was really cool and she was so excited,” Durell said.

A table will be set up in the Melfort Mall near the Coop Grocery Store for those wishing to make a donation. Penny’s Soup and Sandwich will also be running a special of a hot dog, fries and a drink for $6 with $1 of each purchase of the special being donated to the cause.

Along with her efforts for her granddaughter, Durell is thinking of other children effected by cancer as well.

“There are actually a couple of other children in Melfort that have cancer so it is everywhere and it’s just really sad,” she said. “Why children get it is beyond me.”

Walk participants are being encouraged to wear gold but is not required.

–

angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser