City council proclaims May Bluey Day Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John City Council has proclaimed May to be Bluey Day Month.

Mayor Lilia Hansen made the proclamation on Monday, April 13th, during the regular council meeting.

As part of the proclamation, a delegation from the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, including community giving and event coordinator Emily Olson and operations coordinator Tatjana Eggie, attended.

The two ladies then led councillors through a brief history of Bluey Day and the impact the event has had in its 27-years, as well as mentioning a few of this year’s participants.

Bluey Day is a community event where local residents pledge to raise money and sacrifice their hair in a public display at Centennial Park to show solidarity to cancer patients.

Money raised from each event goes toward the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation’s cancer diagnostic and treatment fund. 

“Our mission is simple: as a partner in our community, we are dedicated to raising funds that enhance healthcare in the North Peace,” said Olson. “These funds come from a combination of community members, businesses and long-standing partners who believe in keeping care as close to home as possible.”

 “Community events play a significant role in this work. They not only raise funds, but also bring people together for a shared purpose.”

Olson mentioned Bluey Day was one of the most meaningful peer-to-peer fundraising events in the community since its beginning in 1999. Last year, it eclipsed 1,000 total heads through all events.

“Every participant represents courage, compassion and a commitment to supporting cancer care close to home,” said Olson. “At its core, Bluey Day is about people supporting people.”

The council passed the proclamation motion unanimously. 

Councillor Sarah MacDougall thanked the delegation for the advancements through fundraisers like Bluey Day, which have enabled Fort St. John Hospital to purchase equipment throughout its history.

In total, Bluey Day events have raised $2.5 million for the Fort St. John Hospital since its inception. 

Bluey Day 2026 is scheduled to take place on May 23rd at Centennial Park in Fort St. John.