The Sarnia Saints triple header began on Thursday evening with a special soldout fundraising dinner and auction to honour and support Barry Chalmers and the Sarnia-Lambton Mutilple Sclerosis. 

"It been amazing with the amount of work that's been done and everyone I talked to has had a great time" said Barry Chalmers "You couldn't ask for a better day. It really makes somebody feel nice and warm inside."

Chalmers, a former player for the Sarnia Saints was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis seven years ago at the age of 23.  Part of the fundraising monies raised is going to Chalmers to have CCSVI treatment that is not available in Canada but he will have to travel to the US at an approximate cost of $23,000.

"The MS Society, the things that they do is so helpful, they provide support groups for people and other services such as providing wheel chairs, walkers and so on" said Chalmers "The biggest thing with MS is the

          Barry Chalmers

financial strain because I myself had to leave my job that I was doing because I had a really big relapse that caused an unsafe environment for me and my co-workers.  I'm lucky that I have my wife to support me, but a lot of people don't have that and they are on their own but the MS society is there to help provide them with so many needs." Currently Barry is working in Social Services with adolescence and teens with mental health issues and hopes to continue his education in Social Services this fall.
 

The fundraising began at a dinner held at the Sarnia Riding Club on Thursday with the support of many local business that donated items that were sold in a silent auction.  A live auction was held with local auctioneer John Stevens of Great West Auction providing his service and auctioning off the game shirts worn by the players on Saturday.  All the shirts worn in the game by both teams were donated to the event by Tahi Teamwear from London. 

When Dave Humble the president of the London Rugby Club was approached by the Saints (because they are great rivals) the Saint's didn't know that Humble was also a representative for Tahi Teamwear Canada.  When Humble heard what they were doing he jumped on board immediately and offered to provide the shirts.  "It's not really about Tahi Teamwear," said Humble, "It's about when two communities put together initiatives to raise money and awareness it shows what Rugby is all about."  "It's a gentlemen's game and whenever something like this comes up you want to be a part of it."

 At the beginning of the Premier game between Sarnia and London St. George a special presentation was made to coach Todd Whitlock.  A design contest for the special game shirts was held previously and Whitlock's design was selected and used.  Whitlock received a game shirt and a cash prize, which he generously donated back to the cause.
 

L-R Dave Humble, Barry Chalmers, Todd Whitlock, Shawn Georgiou

Shawn Georgiou event coordinator who spent countless hours working behind the scenes with his team of volunteers reported that early estimated funds raised is between five and six thousand dollars. "It's rewarding to know that Sarnia Lambton and the community is supporting this event"  said Georgiou. "The Saints plan on making this an annual event".  Next's year recipient will be announced at a later date.

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