Local businesses raise funds for single mom after cancer diagnosis

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Gators Gym, Trican Well Service, Wild North Services and most recently, Blue Ribbon Fudge have organized fundraising efforts to help Mannie Lenz, who was diagnosed with cancer.

In April, Gators Gym, Trican Well Service and Wild North Services teamed up to put on a barbeque for Lenz, who has worked at Gators since it first opened.

Terri Stanley, the owner of Gators Gym, describes Lenz as a hard worker and a great person who will help anybody with anything.

“Everybody she meets really likes her,” adds Stanley.

The barbeque raised over $5,000, and Lenz would like to extend her thanks to the community for their help.

More recently, Debbie Oberlin, owner of Blue Ribbon Fudge, has come up with her own idea to raise money for Lenz.

Oberlin, who has been making fudge for about 25 years and began selling it two years ago, would like to donate some of her Farmer’s Market proceeds directly to Lenz.

Oberlin explains that she met Lenz through her sister, who worked with Lenz 29 years ago. The two reconnected ten years later through Stage North.

On Saturday, May 14th, Oberlin will be collecting donations for Lenz, and the following Saturday, May 21st, all proceeds earned will be going directly to Lenz for whatever she needs.

“I was inspired by others who have done fundraising,” Oberlin said.

She did want to add that she isn’t tied to any societies, and it is her own fundraiser.

“A hundred per cent of everything will be given directly to her to use as she needs for her and her family.”

Oberlin says a donation jar will be set up at her table for those who want to support Lenz but don’t want any fudge.

“If people just want to stop by and say hi and drop a donation, that would be immensely appreciated.”

Oberlin calls Lenz a “golden person”.

“She’s one of those people who is just kind and loving and always there for anyone. She always has a positive attitude, and I am just so grateful to have her in my life.”