Less than two months ago, KiSS 105.3 morning host Shannon King announced that if she could raise $5,000 in support of treatment costs for Sudburian Mario Diotte, she would shave off her beautiful golden locks.
Not long after announcing her goal with Sudbury.com, that barbershop appointment has become a reality — thanks to a fateful meeting with one big-hearted entrepreneur.
King said she was attending the Canada Music Week awards ceremony at the Rebel Nightclub in Toronto when someone she was with spotted Michael Wekerle across the room. King recognized the investor, merchant banker and television personality from the television show Dragon's Den almost immediately.
"I am pretty sure it was Chris Burne (92.7 ROCK morning host) who said, “I dare you to go tell him what you're doing with your fundraising goal, maybe he can help you raise $5,000," said King.
And she did.
"Why not try," said King. "I mean, the guy writes cheques every day on Dragon's Den for great business ideas."
King said it was as easy as introducing herself and sharing the story behind her fundraising goal, and Wekerle was ready to sign a cheque for $5,000.
"He knew this money could help save a life, so it was a no-brainer for him," said King.
Before she knew it, she was running for a pen and sharing the news with Diotte and his mom, Lise, who is also one of King's co-workers at Rogers Media.
"Getting to tell them was really cool, and when they found out who gave the money, it was even more special," said King.
Despite reaching her goal, King said she wants to continue fundraising for the next few weeks to produce the best possible donation for the Diotte family. A Kiss 105.3 listener is helping in that effort, and has agreed to match King's goal.
"She has gone above and beyond for fundraising, and was actually kicking my butt," said King. "Why shut it down now?"
You can support King's GoFundMe campaign page here.
You can also donate to Diotte's treatment through the "Marathon for Mario" GoFundMe page.
– Sudbury.com
