A Testament to the Community

Jemma Dooreleyers | Jan 16, 2025

When Kyley Haughton told Pam Freeman and Karen Brawley about her cancer diagnosis at the beginning of the winter, they immediately sprung into action.

Haughton, who has lived in Sydenham her entire life and works at One Stop (Freeman’s store) f is “the hardest worker you’ve ever met.”

According to Freeman, who has known Haughton (Percy Snider’s granddaughter) her entire life, Haughton has been “basically working since the day she could walk.” She has been a flagger for the township, has a reputation for mowing lawns around Sydenham village and has been one of the friendliest faces at One Stop for the past two years.

“As soon as we found out we started organizing,” said Freeman. “She has a 9-year-old daughter and we wanted to find a way to alleviate some of the financial stress so she knows while she’s fighting, the community is fighting for her.”

“We only want her focusing on getting better,” said Brawley.

The fundraising efforts, which have been going on since the beginning of December, include donation jars that are dispersed throughout the community at The Sydenham One Stop, Prime AAA Takeout, Rosebush Energy, the Sydenham Legion and Sydenham Pet and Farm, as well as an organized event that will be happening at the Sydenham Legion on January 24th. The event will include a dance and live music provided by the band Still Standin’, a silent auction with items from businesses from Sydenham and surrounding areas that have “just about filled up” Brawley’s guest bedroom, a 50/50 draw and snacks.

The only challenge? Just how supportive the community is.

“There is no question in my mind that it will be a sold-out night,” said Brawley. “Unfortunately ,the Legion can only accommodate about 300 people due to fire code and while we would absolutely love if everyone was able to come, it’s just not possible in the space.”

While it is unfortunate that the crowds of people who want to support Haughton and her fight are not able to attend the dance, Freeman and Brawley believe the overwhelming response from the community is a testament to its strength.

“The response from the community has been amazing and a wonderful testament to our community,” said Freeman. “We called the fundraiser ‘No One Fights Alone in Our Community’ and it has been made clear from the efforts of our village. People have been very generous.”

Freeman and Brawley would like to express their gratitude to everyone who has been involved in the fundraising efforts, who has donated to the silent auction, and who has donated to the 50/50 draw. They want everyone to know that Haughton is a fighter.

“She’s a real fighter. She told us that she’s going to kick cancer’s ass if it’s doable.”

For more information on ways to donate or about the event on January 24th, reach out to Pam Freeman or Karen Brawley at 613-376-9848 or on Facebook. The donation jars will remain in the community until January 25th.

Caption Kyley Haughton and her daughter, Harley.