The West Shore community has rallied together and raised thousands of dollars to help a Langford family in need.
The Sooke School District’s PACE music program hosted a fundraising concert and raised roughly $6,500 for Nicki and Cathy Shotton at the Isabelle Reader Theatre on Saturday.
As part of the concert, hundreds of performers dazzled the sold-out crowd for an evening of song and dance, including a cameo from Disney Channel star Calum Worthy, who was also a part of the program.
“It was a very emotional night,” said Sandy Webster-Worthy, artistic director of PACE. “It was an amazing evening. It really shows what happens when a community of people like PACE come together, give it their all and donate generously to help someone in need who is a part of the program.”
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Earlier this year, Nicki was diagnosed with kidney disease and was told she would need a transplant. On Sept. 20, her mother, Cathy donated her kidney to Nicki.
While Cathy has since returned home, Nicki must stay in Vancouver for the next few months to ensure her body doesn’t reject its new organ. At the last minute, doctors granted Nicki a weekend-pass to return to the West Shore and attend the concert.
“I was absolutely moved and touched. It was such a great concert, those kids put all their time and effort and energy into it and they blew me away,” said Nicki, adding it was particularly touching since many of the performers weaved her old choreography into new performances.
“It was touching to see them perform those numbers that I myself had taught to them … My deepest thanks to the community and to the PACE family.”
Throughout the year, both Nicki and Cathy’s co-workers also launched fundraising campaigns. In total, the community has raised roughly $26,000 for the family.
Nicki will use the funds to purchase an insulin pump, pay for travel expenses so her daughter Makaela can visit her in Vancouver, and help cover the cost of anti-rejection drugs.
For more information or to donate, search Nicki, Cathy, and Makaela’s Journey of Love on Facebook.
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kendra.wong@goldstreamgazette.com
