Community of Eston helps local family through silent auction
By Joan Janzen
Eston folks are a shining example of how a community can pull together, help out a local family, and make things happen. Dave, Joy, Elsie and Bowen Zhao have resided in Eston for less than a year, but their kindness has touched the hearts of many in the community.
The family was devastated when Dave was recently diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia. Consequently, he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Saskatoon in the coming weeks and months, and Joy has been commuting to and from the city. The cost of fuel, food and short-term accommodations has increased exponentially for the family. That’s when the kindness and generosity of the community of Eston began to shine.
A silent auction was organized, with items accepted until December 4th. Payments for items were dropped off at the home of Kelly Knight or by e-transfer to d.k.knight81@gmail.com. Over 110 items were donated to the silent auction, and just one day after the auction opened, plans were forged, which enabled the Zhao family to move into accommodation in Saskatoon. Funds from the silent auction and donations will be sent to the family shortly after the conclusion of the auction.
Kelly Knight organized the silent auction and said she was drawn to the Zhao family because of their kindness. Kelly’s daughter became friends with Elsie when she started school in Eston. “I met Elsie, Joy and Bowen at the rink when we met up to go skating,” Kelly said. Thanks to Google translate, they got to know them better. “We taught Elsie to skate, and a few of her new friends from school taught her to shoot a puck!”
After skating, Elsie visited Maggie at her house and enjoyed homemade chocolate chip cookies, quickly becoming one of Elsie’s new favourite Canadian foods. Elsie’s parents responded with much kindness and generosity, appreciating being accepted and welcomed into the community.
It took courage for Dave and Joy to relocate their family to a new country, but they did it for their children. “They wanted to give them a more relaxed upbringing than they had as children in Beijing,” Kelly said.
Their friends in Eston hope Dave’s treatment is successful, and everything falls into place, enabling the Zhao family to return to the community. The help and love extended through the auction have caused Joy to be overwhelmed by love and support.
Knight said they will continue to accept monetary donations on behalf of the family, even though the auction closed on December 5th. Donations are still accepted and can be dropped off at 210 Main St. In Eston.
Kelly encouraged the community in their giving, saying, “Let’s open our hearts and wallets to help out this wonderful family during this very difficult time.”
Photo: Kelly Knight’s daughter Maggie holds a bracelet donated by Adrienne and Brent Mason for the silent auction.
