A recent figure skating fundraiser for youth mental health is being hailed as a huge success.
The Spring Skate for Mental Health Fundraiser and Memorial in honour of Tamara Lumley raised over $20,000 and attracted around 900 people earlier this month.
Lumley was a 17-year-old from the Point Edward Skating Club who took her own life in October.
Skating club head coach Sonia Rivard said she started the Talk For Tamara initiative in December to support youth mental health in the area and honour her most talented skater.
"I always had this vision of a skating show because that's my connection to Tamara as her skating coach. The skating rink was her most favourite place to be and skating was something she loved," said Rivard. "The event was a great memorial for Tamara because other skaters in the show were all local, they all knew and skated with Tamara and they all considered Tamara part of their skating family."
The inaugural skating event featured Sarnia-native Michael Marinaro and partner Kirsten Moore-Towers, the reigning Canadian pairs champions.
It was the second event hosted by Talk for Tamara-- the group raised about $2,000 during a New Year's Eve event at The Oaks Golf Club.
Rivard said she hopes to continue events like these for years to come.
"It will be a way to keep Tamara's memory alive while raising funds for the youth in our community. The kids are struggling and we hope to help provide the services they need," she said.
Rivard said money raised will support youth mental health initiatives in the community, including those at St. Clair Child and Youth Services.
Donations are welcome at Sarnia Community Foundation or online at www.canadahelps.org.