PENHOLD – It’s been a difficult few weeks for Penhold resident Francois Trudeau and his family.
The Penhold community is letting them know they are not alone.
Friends, residents and businesses have stepped up to show their support for Trudeau after he experienced a life changing medical emergency in mid-July.
Several weeks later, after spending time at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Trudeau is now recovering in Innisfail and is adjusting to life as a double amputee after losing both legs below the knee to a severe infection.
Several attempts were made to contact the family, both in person at Innisfail Health Centre and through Alberta Health Services (AHS).
As per AHS protocols for media, the Innisfail Province left messages for the Trudeau family in an attempt to arrange an interview, but they were not immediately returned. A message was also left via the Go Fund Me page with organizer Lesley Thomas and that too was not immediately returned.
Meanwhile, Penhold business, Sugar By Tracy, is pitching in to help the family.
They created a cupcake fundraiser for Trudeau that runs the entire month of August.
“A dollar from each of the (special) cupcakes sold will go directly to the family,” said Jennifer Ball, manager. “It’s the cupcake that we made for him with a Bailey's topping (icing) on a chocolate cupcake with a little blue heart.
“We also did a fundraiser for (cancer survivor and Penhold resident) Lisa Duke,” she added, noting how the Penhold community rallies to help one of its own in time of need. “It’s a small town and it affects everybody. Everybody feels for the situation that he’s in.”
However, it appears that it's not just the people of Penhold who are stepping up to help Francois Trudeau, who according to reports, recently began a new job and has no health benefits.
After just a few days a Go Fund Me page set up to help Trudeau and his family has gone viral on social media, with messages of support coming in from across Alberta and from his native Quebec.
It has already raised more than $23,000.
Ball said she and store owner Tracy Irwin know Trudeau and his family from the Penhold Minor Soccer Association.
“Tracy’s daughter, my son (and Trudeau’s eldest son) all played on the same soccer team this past season,” she said. “Francois is the one who brings his son to all the practices and to all the games so we know him pretty well.”
Ball also noted the connection Trudeau has with many in the community.
“We all know what a fantastic dad he is. He’s the most optimistic, happy, with a smile on his face 24-7 kind of guy,” said Ball.
“He would play with his kids all the time. You could drive down the street and you’d always see him playing soccer with his kids.”
Bart Van Der Loop, an executive member and past president of the Penhold Minor Soccer Association, said it was good to see the community showing its support for Trudeau and his family.
“That’s the beauty of this town. Everyone just really seems to look out for each other and gets to know each other,” said Van Der Loop. “In a (situation) like this it’s great that everyone comes together.”
To leave a message of support or a donation for Trudeau and his family, visit the Go Fund Me page at https-//ca.gofundme.com/f/in-support-of-francois-trudeau
