2013 Skate-a-thon update

Skate4Smiles 2013

He had a way about him.

You could take him to Walmart or Toy R Us and you'd tell him before you went in there that you were just going to look - that today wasn't a day to buy. He'd say "OK" and you knew he truly meant it. One minute of staring at the Bakugan or Transformers or something like that would turn into ten, then fifteen. But he wouldn't ask you to buy him one.

Once in a while, you'd go in there and there'd been a new shipment. His eyes would widen and he'd get sooooooooo excited. "Dad, Dad - look - it's so and so - and then he'd spot another new one that was even better." But still, he wouldn't ask. And you'd pretend it was time to go but by this time, you were wrapped around his finger and knew that leaving would break his heart even if he didn't tell you. So you'd tell him he could have one, but he'd have to choose.

First, the happiness would take hold and the biggest smile you could imagine would form on his baby face. And then, the agonizing decision making process would begin. How could he possibly choose? But he'd try, and the minutes would pass. Finally, as much for fun as to actually get moving, you'd tell him to hurry up - he still hadn't guessed, but you were going to buy him both anyways.

More time would pass and finally, he'd put one down and hug the other - you'd look at him and ask him, "are you sure Dawson?". He'd gently nod - but there was a mix of happy and sad on his face. "Alright Bud, let's go" and he'd start walking to the checkout - still admiring the new toy in his hand.

A couple of feet behind him, you'd pick up the other toy - the one he left behind. At the checkout, he'd place his toy on the belt and you'd casually set the other right beside it. At that moment, he'd realize that you were getting him both and the expression on his face was one that would stick with you for the rest of your life. His mouth would be wide open - total surprise, pure joy, and yet, humility. "You did this for me?" "Why?" "Because we love you Dawsie - and you deserve it." And as the tears welled in his eyes, you'd get the biggest, longest hug you could hope for - it didn't matter who was watching or who might see.

That's how Dawsie would feel about what you do for him, and for the children of Saskatchewan.

From his Momma, and Daddy, and his brother Alex, thank you all so much - for your support, for your kindness, and for making our son feel this way once again.

Skate4Smiles 2013 raised around $66,000 for the Children's Hospital Of Saskatchewan. We are so proud of each and every one of you. Because of our generous sponsors, we were able to give away lots of fabulous prizes for both our pledge earners and the prize table. Check below for a list of this year's winners:

Most Number of pledges (iPad mini donated by Warner Industries) - Jenna Leader
Most Money raised (51" TV donated by H.K. Insurance) - Jack Fischer
2nd Top Money raiser (Trek Bike donated by DLGL) - Jordan and Sam Engstrom
3rd Top Money raiser (Trek Bike donated by DLGL) - Kolton and Avery Spenst
4th Top Money raiser (Camera donated by Preferred Energy) - Nolan Johnson
5th Top Money raiser (24" TV donated by H.K. Insurance) - Logan Tonge and Allie Smith
6th Top Money raiser (Nintenso DSi donated by H.K. Insurance) - Emily Phillips
7th Top Money raiser (eReader donated by H.K. Insurance) - Taylor Bencharski
8th Top Money raiser (Nascar Slot Car set donated by the Phillips Family) - McKenna and Caiden Vollman

Door Prize winner (iPod donated by Miles and Louise Ernst and family) - Grayson Torkelson
2nd Door Prize winner (4 tickets to Franklin and Friends donated by Big Dog 92.7) - Lucas Cappelle

Skate4Smiles is a fun, family oriented skate-a-thon held in memory of our amazing son, Dawson Ellert, who passed away at the age of 8 years old. We host this event to raise funds and awareness for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan and to honour Dawson, who loved skating.