Two Sudbury women are making custom keychains to raise funds and raise awareness for Crohn's and Colitis Canada, an organization that provides support to families, caregivers and patients coping with inflammatory bowel disease.
Kayla Childs and sister Kortney Valentino are behind the creative effort and they're hoping it will open doors to some donations and better understanding of the importance of local support for the national Crohns and Colitis organization, which also has several local members.
"So we just wanted to give back to the community,” said Childs.
“Kortney has ulcerative colitis. We wanted to give back because the annual Gutsy Walk is coming up, so we were trying to figure out ways we could help raise some more money and we came up with this idea.
“Kortney loves crafting. So we do that and donate a portion of every sale to Crohn's and Colitis Canada."
She said she is involved because she wants to show support for her sister
"We are sisters,” she said. “But no, we're not twins. Kortney is younger than I am. I am 30 and Kortney is 24. As her sister, I want to do everything I can to support her and this cause.”
Kayla said the keyrings have no special design, but friends and supporters can order one that is personalized for themselves. She added they can create a custom keyring based on ideas people send them or something based on the Crohns and Colitis logo.
Each key ring costs $10 and supporters are invited to contact the sisters on Instagram to order their own. Their Instagram link has several keychain photos.
Although the Gutsy Walk has actually been a walking event in past years, Kayla said because of the pandemic, the 2021 walk will be a virtual event. But she said friends and supporters can still sign up and make a donation in support of the organization.
The Gutsy Walk event takes place on June 6. The national website said Gutsy Walkers are encouraged to do the walk in their community, whether it be their neighbourhood or a local park while within their bubble, to showcase their support for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis all across the country.
Money that is raised is directed toward medical research and support programs for patients and their families.
There is an online Sudbury page where one can create a team or join a team. The Sudbury page has several local teams already listed.
There is also a specific page for Kortney and the Crew for anyone who wishes to join.
