by Brandon Mayer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The momentum has increased sharply since fundraising efforts were started earlier this month for Kika Smith, the beloved owner of Brewed Awakenings, who has fallen ill with cancer. In the February 16 issue of the Times, Kika’s friend and organizer of the fundraiser, Kirstin Nordstrand, penned a plea to the public asking for donations to help Kika deal with at least one of the burdens of her diagnosis – the financial pressure.
Another friend of Kika’s, Paula Rhyndress, provided an update on the current fundraising efforts. After an initial GoFundMe campaign which had raised over $30,000 of a $40,000 goal by the time of writing, the fundraising was shifted to an online silent auction. Paula donated her time driving around to various local businesses seeking item donations for the auction, and has been met with overwhelming support. Paula wanted to highlight the generosity of local businesses, many of whom are struggling at the present time due to the ongoing pandemic, and wants to encourage locals to support local businesses as much as they have showed support for Kika at this difficult time.
She likened Kika to other well-liked local business owners, saying “those are the kind of people we need in our community.” Almost two years ago, Paula lost her oldest sister to a battle with cancer, and Kika was a great support at that time with both catering and emotional support.
“There’s a lot of people that benefitted from Kika’s generosity, and now it’s time for us to step up,” Paula said.
The events surrounding Kika’s situation and the resulting fundraiser have unfolded very quickly. Her friends have recognized the large expenses that often accompany a cancer diagnosis, and the need to do something for someone who has always been quick to do things for others. Now that the online auction is underway, the GoFundMe page has been closed, as Paula’s friends did not want any confusing overlap. Paula is encouraging those who want to contribute financially to participate in the auction. “Bid!”, Paula said with much enthusiasm. “Bid up the wazoo, because the more bidding you do, the more money we make.”
Paula has great faith in the community to continue providing this much-needed support. “This is what being in a small community is about,” she said.
The following list is not complete at press time. The online auction can be found at trellis.org/silent-auction-for-kika.
Donor. Item, Description
ITM Events, $100 Nordic Spa Gift Certificate
Catheren Fachnie, Moulin Wakefield Mill, $100 Gift Certificate
Living Wyld, Living Wyld products, TBD
Surya Yoga Festival, 2 passes to the Surya Yoga Festival June 18, 2022
Bodhi Tree Yoga 5-class package (2)
Jac’s Boutique, Purse, made with recycled bottle lining • Secure drawstring closure • Top magnetic button closure • Interior slip pocket • Adjustable crossbody strap • Dimensions: L 11″ x H 9″ x D 5″ • Max. drop handle: 18″ • Made with 100% vegan leather
Saltastic Candle, A courage candle with healing crystal inside.
Pet Valu, Cat tree or dog bed
Barking Bee Honey, Honey gift basket, honey bundle: liquid honey, honey dipper and beeswax wraps
TLC Medical Suply, Moist Heating Pad, Electric, 12” x 15”
JM Automotive, $500 gift certificate for the shop
Hard Stones, $75 Gift Card
Purely Elemental, Gift Basket
Geleynse Earthworks, Autumn Blaze Maple 6′ tall Autumn Blaze Maple, delivered and spade into your yard
Kemptville Home Hardware, Electric Snow Blower
Valley Sanitation Services, Septic tank cleaning
Shake-a-Paw, Certificate for a session of either scent or agility class
Dreamscape Landscaping, Top Soil 10 yard load of top soil, delivered
Dreamscape Landscaping, Mulch 10 yard load of mulch, delivered
Yvonne Bradshaw Financial Advisor & Limiting Behaviour Coach, Tall Ship Art 20″ x 40″ image of the recreated tall ship, Santa Maria
To Be Continued, $25 Gift Card + a surprise package (custom made depending on age)
Clark Code Engines, Small Engine Repair, Gift card for services or equipment purchase
Grahame’s Bakery $25 Gift Certificate (4)
The Flower Shop, Gift basket, including store gift card
Good Night Bed Company Pillow Sub-0 soft cell chill latex pillow
Spa Jada, Pedicure of your choice
Yazdani Family Dentistry, VP Cok Air Fryer
Kemptville Animal Hospital, Pocket Pet Bundle: Oxbow Timothy Bungalow (medium) Oxbow Simple Rewards Veggie Tre
Kemptville Animal Hospital, ThunderShirt Sport for dogs
Kemptville Animal Hospital, Dog Bundle: “Crumps Garlic Liver Fillets Purina Veterinary Diets, Dental Chewz, Kong Medium Dodo Bird Squeaky Toy, Kong Easy Treat – Liver, Tricky Treat Ball – Medium, C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste”
Kemptville Animal Hospital, Cat Bundle: “Virbac C.E.T. Aquadent 500 mL, PetSafe, SlimCat Feeder Ball
Royal Canin Feline Dental 600g /Catnip Pillow C.E.T. , Pet Toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste Crinkle Ball”
Pia Gamberg & Tony Desnoo, Connoisseur’s Bundle: La Saladier wood charcuterie board with wood knife $150, La Saladier wood bowl and tongs $110, 2 x Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon $40″
Sonja Beale, Cat Lover’s Bundle: “Sock it to me – Secret Powers knee high socks, #catbutt coloring book, Cat Holes adult coloring book, Metal Cats Worshipped at Gods Sign”
Rideau Roastery, Coffee Lover’s Coffee Subscription 1 12 oz. bag of non-flavoured coffee of your choice bi-weekly for 6 months
O’Farrell Financial, Brewed Awakenings Treat Package, Dessert Platter & $150 gift certificate from Brewed Awakenings
RB Heating & Climate Care, Whole House Humidifier, Generalaire 1042 whole house humidifier with installation
Boundary Road Bookkeeping, Basket of yummy preserves, rubs, pickles, etc., from F***&ing Delicious
Body & Sole Footcare Clinic, Gift basket of foot care products
Marguerite Boyer, personalised portrait of your pet/ child
