A project in memory of a young woman who passed away from skin cancer is taking shape at the Morden skate park.
A shelter now under construction at the BSI Skate Plaza is a tribute to Annika Ginther spearheaded by her family, including mother Centennial Ginther and aunts Anna Treichel and Sunday Ginther.
Annika often used to hang out at the skate park, shares Treichel. She was 14 when she was first diagnosed with melanoma.
“When the cancer returned when she was 18, my son was then 14 and hanging out at the skate park,” Treichel recalled last week as she checked out the progress on the shelter. “There was no shade there … and Tanner sometimes would be hiding at the end of one of the railings to get shade.”
Tanner and his friend Sam Hildebrand thought they should raise some money for cancer care, but it was suggested they raise money for a shelter instead, given how much Annika loved spend time at the park and because she died of skin cancer, explained Treichel.
“We started fundraising, and we had a huge donation from the Morden thrift store and another big one from the Elks,” she said, adding support also came from Annika’s doctor, Aly Dhala. “COVID hit then, and that kind of stopped our project … then prices all went up.”
“Some stuff was ridiculous, almost six times higher. It’s come down since,” said Albert Unrau of Moonlight Construction, which has taken on the project.
The estimate for the shelter had been close to $30,000. Now that they’ve raised over $32,000, they felt it was time to get it completed.
The efforts were boosted by such initiatives as a bottle drive.
“The community was very supportive. We felt the love for sure with all the stuff that was dropped off, but other local businesses have also contributed, and we will get a sign at the skate park for all who gave us donations for it,” said Treichel, who also added thanks for the Codilan family for doing the “Always for Annika” birthday cake fundraiser.
“And Albert was all gung-ho to be all on board with this,” she added, noting Unrau already had the main structure up this past week, with metal cladding to come soon. They expect the shelter will be complete sometime next month.
“It’s very nice to be involved in this,” said Unrau. “I’m totally enjoying being part of it … this one definitely has a special spot.”
“We will get a nice picture of her put up here,” said Treichel. “We just want to keep Annika’s memory alive, and I know her mom always drives past here and thinks of her.
“I’m happy to see all the kids here,” she added. “I think all of the parents who come here with their kids will really appreciate it. We can’t thank the community enough for all of their support.”
