Community raises money in support of injured youth

By Sean Previl

Windsor residents have been showing their support for a local injured youth by fundraising to help with medical costs.

Coleapalooza! was held at the Rockhead Pub Mar. 3 to raise money for Cole Kierdorf, a St. Clair College student who was injured while snowboarding in Clarkston, Mich Jan. 26. Kierdorf, who suffered a serious head injury as a result of his knee smashing into his right eye, has been in a coma since the accident.

Kat Spargalo, who met Kierdorf in September when both started the advertising program at the college, said she wanted to do what she could to help his parents.

“They’re a family and with them not being at work and with everything going on, with all the medical expenses they’re going to have in the future, I figured they’re going to need help,” said Spargalo.

Spargalo said the community’s response has been both amazing and surprising.

“I did not expect the turnout that we got from it,” said Spargalo. “Businesses I’ve never even heard of have contacted me, donated things. It’s honestly amazing to see this many people come together for one cause.”

Cole’s father Marty said Coleapalooza! isn’t the first fundraiser done to raise money for his injured son.

“(Teachers) had a swimming event for (Cole),” said Marty. “They did an alumni swim meet as a fundraiser and in that they made about $15,000.”

Marty said he’s really been thankful for the help they’ve received.

“It’s amazing how many people once they saw the article they put two and two together that it was our son,” said Marty. “They’re dropping off food, cards and financial support and all sorts of things.”

Kyle Heuchan, another friend of Kierdorf’s, said where support has been coming from is the biggest surprise.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling from the amount of support people are providing,” said Heuchan. “Most of the people that have donated, they know very little about him, but they just know it’s going for a good cause.”

In total, Coleapalooza! raised $7,585 to help Kierdorf’s family with medical expenses.

Another fundraiser is being held Mar. 20 at the WFCU Centre put on by William’s Food Equipment and the Centre, Marty and Cole’s mother Janet Fleming’s respective workplaces.

Cutline: People enjoy a pasta dinner during Coleapalooza! at the Rockhead Pub in Windsor Mar. 3. (Photo by: Sean Previl)

Cutline: Kyle Heuchan, far right, and Alma Hedzalic sell Coleapalooza! tickets to people entering the Rockhead Pub in Windsor Mar. 3. (Photo by: Sean Previl)