Sparkles of Hope project continues

Andrea Sharpe of Karlande Designs, Lynette Hillier, executive director of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and Earl Ludlow, president and CEO of Newfoundland Power and Chairman of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation were at The Three Sisters Restaurant last Tuesday to thank the many volunteers who are still stringing together the beads for the Sparkles of Hope project that is raising money to help families affected by cancer in this province. Many of the volunteers were presented with a plaque to thank them and all were treated to a fine spread of finger foods from The Three Sisters.

Ms. Sharpe spoke to the many volunteers who have helped get the project, now led by an advertising campaign featuring country music singer Tara Oram, off the ground.

The owner of Karlande Designs said the volunteers were who made this campaign work and without the many people who have gathered one or two nights a week for the past number of months in the Placentia region, the Sparkles of Hope bracelets couldn't have been such a success.

"It is not about me, but you," she said. "Every one of you who played a role, thank-you. This was a true community group effort."

Ms. Sharpe went on to note that almost everyone has been directly or indirectly affected by cancer, and these bracelets help people pull together and talk about how it has affected them.

Since the bracelets have been on sale, she said, people have been approaching her, telling her their own stories about what the bracelets have come to mean to them.

"It gives people an opportunity to talk about a subject we don't often feel comfortable talking about. People now point out which colour bead is their cancer," she said.

The Sparkles of Hope bracelets are made with sterling silver beads and Swarovski crystals. Each colour crystal represents a different form of cancer. A portion of the proceeds of each bracelet goes to support cancer patient care through the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation.

Lynette Hillier, executive director of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and Earl Ludlow, president and CEO of Newfoundland Power and Chairman of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation were both appreciative of the efforts of the approximately 30 volunteers who were at the gathering May 17.

Mr. Ludlow said he is aware of the value of volunteerism and how likely it was many of the volunteers there were also involved in other projects throughout the community.

The bracelets have been selling very well, said Ms. Hillier, noting over a half a million dollars worth have been sold. She said all the money donated to their organization goes toward patient and family support and stays right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The bracelets can be purchased at a number of locations online including the cancer care foundation and Karlande Designs websites and at Newfoundland Weavery and Bogart's in St. John's or by calling 1-877-999-7589.

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