Youth helping raise awareness for IWK

“I’m grateful to Superstore for supporting the IWK so it can be there for kids like me.” Cooper Semrau

Pictou County’s Cooper Semrau is back on the ice playing hockey — this year on the Atom AAs.

Without the IWK, Copper’s mom Rochelle Currie doubts it would be possible.

Copper has Crohn’s and in 2018 was sidelined briefly from the sport he loves by the disease.

Now thanks to the health professionals and care he received at the IWK his condition is in remission and he’s able to get back to his normal activities.

“He’s come a long way over the last couple of years and continues to feel healthy and strong,” Currie said. “Without the IWK, he probably wouldn’t be in that situation.”

The IWK remains a big part of Cooper’s life. Every six weeks he goes for a check-up at the hospital. He’s also made a point of being a spokesperson for the hospital and helps bring awareness of the importance of the hospital during fundraising campaigns.

Most recently his story was shared during a fundraising announcement event for Superstore’s Give a Little, Help a Lot campaign.

At the event, which was attended by Premier Tim Houston as well as IWK Foundation President & CEO Jennifer Gillivan, Semrau’s story was highlighted for the guests

“It means a lot to Cooper,” Currie said. “He loves continuing to be involved with the IWK and being able to contribute and give back and show his appreciation for everything they do for us.”

Despite the challenges that the COVID pandemic created, Loblaw Companies Limited and the IWK Foundation announced this year’s Give a Little, Help a Lot campaign at Atlantic Superstore went ahead, as usual, raising $230,000 for the IWK Foundation.

“COVID-19 has not lessened the need for children to have access to the specialized care they need when they are sick or injured,” Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation stated in a press release. “We are so grateful to our partners at Atlantic Superstore who have continued to show up for Maritime kids and families. We know it’s been a challenging year to be on the frontlines, but the Atlantic Superstore team is passionately committed to raising funds in support of the IWK’s most urgent priorities.”

Give a Little, Help a Lot is a national campaign where customers are asked to donate $2 at checkout in support of a designated local charity. In addition, store colleagues organize grassroots fundraisers such as barbecues and bake sales, with proceeds from these activities added to the total.

“I’m grateful to Superstore for supporting the IWK so it can be there for kids like me,” Cooper said.

Atlantic Superstore has been a supporter of the IWK since 1988, raising more than $3.1 million to ensure women, children and their families have access to the best equipment, technology and care right here at home in the Maritimes.

Being able to say thanks to Superstore on behalf of the patients who benefit from it, is something that meant a lot to Cooper, Currie said.

“Any opportunity we get to participate in something to show support and thank all of these sponsors, such as Superstore, who make such a huge difference to the IWK with all the funds they raise is something pretty awesome,” she said.