Industry pulls together for one Dan-dy of a day
MONCTON, N.B. — Friends, family and representatives of the trucking industry got together on Aug. 21 for a special fundraiser referred to as “Dan Day” – in support of Dan Blakely.
The fundraiser was held at the Provincial Trailer Rentals (PTR) location in Moncton, N.B., where Dan is currently the Operations Manager.
In June of this year, Blakely was diagnosed with liver and gastric cancer. Since then, the 47-year-old father of six, has lost about 50 pounds and has been undergoing aggressive treatment that is not covered by the province or his private insurance company.
A group of friends and colleagues from PTR and Atlantic Carrier decided in July to hold a fundraiser for Dan and his family to help offset the enormous burden facing the family. The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association also chipped in with a generous donation to Dan and his family.
The event included a silent auction, entertainment, a barbeque and a 50/50 draw.
were all smiles during Dan Day, which was a success by all accounts.
Among the items up for auction was a 50” flat-screen television, which was donated by Emergency Road Services of Canada.
Blakely, and his wife Crystal, were overwhelmed when Dawn Violo, president of Emergency Road Services of Canada, announced that the television was awarded to a group of Dan’s family and friends who then donated the TV back to Dan and Crystal.
“All of this is extremely humbling,” said Blakely. “I would like to thank everyone for coming out and showing their support.”
Dan has also already started to show signs of improvement, as he has begun to gain some weight back and his spirits are extremely high.
In fact, Blakely made it known that he will be attending the charity golf tournament on Sept. 9 at the Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club in Hartland, N.B.
The event, which is hosted in association with the APTA, will be in support of the Food Bank and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Dan hopes to see all of you there.
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