Dillion Nixon is only 10 years old, and he has already been on an extensive crusade against cancer. This has included participation in the St. F.X. Relay for Life, and the community-based fundraising that he leads in anticipation of the relay.
Kids Against Cancer on Dec. 9 was a manifestation of that fundraising, with residents of the Antigonish area providing baked goods and crafts for sale, and for a draw on Sunday, Dec. 9.
“He’s been going to Relay for Life since he was born, doing laps with me,” Stacey Nixon, his mother, said.
In 2017, Dillion decided to create his own team, and since then he has been making serious strides in supporting the fight against cancer. His is no middle-of-the-road-type of team, either. In their first year of participation, the team became the top fundraising team, and Dillion, the top fundraiser at the St. F.X. Relay for Life.
“He is incredible, and has always been an old soul. He made speeches in the last two years in front of everyone, and got standing ovations. He always writes his own speeches, and is a great public speaker,” Stacey said.
Stacey noted her son was inspired to raise funds for, and participate in the Relay for Life by Loretta MacGillivray, a local cancer survivor.
“He’s been raising money with her, and he joined her team before he created his own,” Stacey said. “He raised money with her, and when he lost his Oma [Marie Swinkels], he wanted to make his own team.”
The Kids Against Cancer 2018 Christmas craft fair on Sunday was one stage of Dillon’s fundraising effort, culminating each year in his participation in the St. F.X. Relay for Life in March.
Although he didn’t have any expectations, Dillion and his team were able to raise $1,009.45.
“There weren’t quite as many people as we thought, and a couple backed out, but it was a good turnout,” Stacey said. “They were over the moon when they found out how much they raised. All the money was sent to the Cancer Society.”
Jason Thorpe, Maritime youth co-ordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society was so proud of Dillion’s efforts that he contacted Dillion after Kids Against Cancer wrapped up, congratulating him on his fundraising success.
Going forward, Dillion already has more fundraising planned, with a Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day basket draw. Additionally, donations can be made at his Relay for Life webpage.