Written By BRIAN LOCKHART

Shelburne Town Pharmacy hosted its annual fundraiser in support of SickKids Hospital on Saturday, June 22, with many fun things to do and see.

It was the tenth time the Pharmacy had held the event. There was food, music, a visit from emergency service personnel, games and even a demonstration by a service dog trained to sniff out different items.

Pharmacy owner, Sanjay Lekhi, has a soft spot for kids who need to be treated and need a fully equipped children's hospital to care for them.

“Kids aren't born making bad decisions – they're just born,” Sanjay said of his support for SickKids Hospital. 

Volunteers greeted visitors to the event and made them feel welcome.

“This is our tenth year in a row,” Sanjay explained. “This a fundraiser we do for SickKids Hospital in Toronto. We like to put awareness out there [that] it's a hospital here [in Ontario] in case any child needs it. A parent needs to know if their child has a problem they can get the best care possible. It is only an hour away from here so we are so fortunate to have it here and close to us.”

While Sanjay is fortunate that no one in his family has ever had to be hospitalized at SickKids, he recognizes the importance of helping other children who need its services.

“Not everybody is born perfect,” Sanjay said. “Some children are born, unfortunately, with a medical condition that needs to be taken care of, so that is why we support the hospital.”

A dunk tank supplied by the Dundalk Fire Department provided some fun as volunteers took a seat and waited for a short swim. Sanjay himself took a swim after someone pledged $25 for the opportunity to dunk him.

Many locals recognize the popular event as an important fundraiser because they understand the need for a hospital that specializes in caring for sick children, and it is one of the world's leading children's hospitals.