The parents of a young Balmoral man killed in a tragic car accident were left in tears, after a local softball made a generous and heartwarming donation to a charity they created in honour of their son.
Ethan Boyer, was only 19-years-old in 2019 when he was killed in a crash near Brady Road. In honour of his love for animals, his parents, Sue and Dana Boyer, along with brother Reid, started the Ethan Boyer Memorial Fund — Tin for the Critter Bin.
Each year, the fund aims to provide an annual grant to one or more pet charities chosen by the Boyer family.
Recently, Stonewall resident Melanie Kisiloski contacted the family on behalf of the AA Interlake Phillies team. She stated they were having a softball camp Dec. 6 and Jeff Kisiloski, the camp director, had asked the athletes to bring donations for a holiday pet food drive. They had picked Tin for the Critter Bin to donate to.
“Honestly, the whole experience made Sue and I tear up. This was a paw-some Christmas present from a local team that has more than warmed our hearts. This means so much to our family. Every little gesture or donation keeps Ethan’s love of critter’s alive — therefore, he is alive in our hearts,” Dana wrote in an email to the Tribune.
The camp was being held at Stonewall Collegiate Institute, Ethan’s former high school. When it was all said and done, the athletes had contributed a large donation of goods.
What the family did not know, was that Jeff Kisiloski has promised his team he would also contribute a cash donation to accompany the pet food. The Boyers were stunned when he presented them with a $100 cheque for their son’s memorial fund, Dana said.
“We wanted to make sure Melanie, Jeff and the AA Phillies team know how much their donation means to the little recued critters, and to us as well,” Dana said. “The girls did themselves proud.”
To find out how to donate to the Ethan Boyer Memorial Fund – Tin for the Critter Bin in memory of Ethan, visit the Interlake Community Foundation page at https://interlakefoundation.ca/cause/ways-to-give/. Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
By staff
