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By Ben Tompkins

Online Fundraiser

Online auction fundraiser set up for local woman diagnosed with cancer

Oct 5, 2021 | 3:32 PM

A group of friends have worked together to set up an online auction to help fundraise for a Melfort woman recently diagnosed with cancer.

Sheri Meston is the assistant general manager at the Canalta Hotel but is unable to work due to complications from her cancer treatment. Jenna Belding is one of the friends who helped organize the fundraiser for Meston. In a letter written to northeastNOW, Belding said Meston will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.

“Sheri puts a lot of good into the world. No matter what time of day or night, if you show up at her house, she wasn’t doing anything else and you’re just in time for the fresh pot of coffee she’s making. If you need help with something, and Sheri knows how to get it for you, it’s yours,” she wrote.

Belding explained Meston would never ask for help, so they are asking for her. The group has a variety of items available for bid from local businesses. The auction will run from October 8 – 22 on Facebook and a preview is available now.

“Thank you for helping us return some of the goodness Sheri has given to others,” Belding wrote.

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The fundraiser will benefit Meston’s entire family. She has a son who still lives at home and Belding said the money raised will help lighten the burden on Meston’s husband who will now be carrying the entire financial load.

“We’re just looking for a way that we can help her,” Belding said. “We’re just hoping to help them worry a little less about making ends meet, so she can focus on getting better. To me, this is super important, that we can get as much stress off her as possible and just help someone that wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone else in the community.”

Although the auction has yet to begin, Belding is already beyond thrilled and overwhelmed with the response from the community, as local businesses have been quick to step up to the plate with donations.

“It makes me want to cry happy tears because it’s just been overwhelming, the love and support,” Belding said. “By the time they’re done reading the letter, they’re committed and say yes we’re going to help. It’s just been wonderful and completely great, the response from the local businesses. I think that speaks to Sheri as a person as well.”

Belding would like to remind everyone that donations can still be made towards the auction before it is completed and anyone and everyone is invited to partake in the two-week event in support of Meston.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8