Karen Janigan is a marketing and communications officer with the Foundation
I had the privilege of attending the announcement of Erin Dumville as the IWK’s Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child for 2011 at Gunningsville Elementary School in Riverview, NB. on Oct. 5, and I can honestly say that Erin is as sweet and adorable as she appears in her photographs. So are her parents Troy and Sheryl, from whom Erin obviously got her stunning smile.
It is clear that Erin’s personality is genuine, as she has won the hearts of the caregivers at the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) clinic at the Health Centre that Erin visits about four times a year. Nurse co-ordinator Paula Barrett, social worker Michele Brake and dietician Sheri Rose stopped into the school to attend the announcement on their way to Fredericton to conduct one of the regular traveling clinics the (CF) team puts on around the Maritimes.
Erin Dumville and her friend Madelaine Lunney
Paula spoke at the event about Erin’s energy, enthusiasm, her amazing smile and her tendency to break into song. Erin was delighted to see them and shared hugs after the formal part of the event were over.
There were times during the day when Erin was overwhelmed. Walmart* is the sponsor of the Champion Child program and as part of her being chosen as Champion Child Erin was given a $1000 gift certificate. As the New Brunswick District Manager Brian Pursey gave Erin the gift card, her eyes widened and her hands shook. She mouthed a “thank you” almost immediately.
During the shopping trip in the afternoon, Erin was greeted by most of the store staff – who do all the heavy lifting when it comes to fundraising for the Telethon – and didn’t manage to get much shopping done, drinking in the good wishes and congratulations instead, but clearly not expecting anything like the warm wishes she received.
At the same time, Walmart* associates chose Gunningsville School as one of their ‘adopted’ schools, so there was not only a huge pile of gifts for the school – including laptops and beanbag chairs and art supplies – but Walmart* associates will also volunteer, helping with whatever needs to be done – including helping children who may need some extra help.
Principal Adam Rogerson was so pleased for his school, and for Erin, who he has known since she was three – when she came to the school and played in his office while her caregiver volunteered at the very homey Riverview school. “I wasn’t sure how that would work out,” he admitted. “But in about 20 minutes, Erin had me completely won over.”
That evening, she came to a community event the Foundation put on for donors, and she was still her sunny, smiling self – agreeing to pose for pictures. It was a long day that she may have found it boring by times, but I never once heard her complain or whine. What a lot of grace for a little girl.
Erin and her family will represent the IWK and the Maritimes at Children’s Miracle Network events next month – Champions presented by Walmart* Canada in Ottawa and Celebration! in Orlando. I can’t think of a better choice. And she’s taking her friend, eight-year-old Madelaine Lunney, who was also at the celebration, and is in this picture with Erin.
Thanks to Principal Rogerson, Walmart* and the Dumville’s for an unforgettable day.
