Jared Keenleyside

It was my mom's idea to approach Jared to find out what his story was. She remembered that he did some pretty impressive fundraising for the Relay for Life a couple of years ago and wanted to share his story.

The majority of this story comes from Aunty Lynette with a few details filled in by Jared.

Jared was involved in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life which gives individuals and communities the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer and fight back against all cancers. He was already involved in the fundraising when he found out that our Auntie Elaine was diagnosed with Cancer, that combined with his friend Matt's diagnoses - had him working like none other to garner donations.


He would go to every house in reach and if they didn't have money right then or if they weren't home, he wrote down their name and address and would return until they gave him something. Even more extreme, he put his hair in dozens of ponytails and auctioned them off the night of the relay – shaving his head in the process.

In two years he raised a total of $1,800 ($600 the first and $1,200 the second year).  The second year, he was the second highest earner.

Lynette shared…

It was funny because all of a sudden all these teachers who had thought Jared was such a pain to teach in Elementary saw a side of Jared that we always knew was there and if they had cared enough to look they would have seen too. They were all commenting to Kara about how great he was as if it was something new. I had people in the community stop me at the grocery store to tell me how awesome my son was. I would just smile as this was something I had known for years.

This year for Christmas, Jared has asked that anyone who wants to give him a gift please make a donation to charity. He is really interested in helping those people who live in third world countries as he believes that they are truly in need as they have no social benefits in place in their countries as we do here in Canada. Lynette and Scott and their family are sponsoring a child this year as a family gift that will continue for years to come - all of their kids are so excited to be making a difference.

Lynette said..

It's going to be the best gift I get this year as I've wanted to do it for years. I guess Jared's request just helped inspire us to make the move this year. 

When I asked Jared what he got out of the experience he said "it just kinda felt nice to help out....I  never really thought about it, I just went for it - and did it!"


Jared, thank you for going for it - thank you for helping just for the sake of helping.  It's exactly what we're hoping to do for Golden - in a long term, sustainable way through the Family Legacy Fund that we have established.

Thank you to Auntie Lynette and Jared who shared this story with me.  I'm personally touched that Jared went above and beyond when he realized that cancer had stricken those closest to him, and further to that - that it has permanently impacted his family in that they are now sponsoring a child.