Having a reason to smile

When a pack of riders land in New Glasgow on Tuesday after biking across Canada, there will be one smiling face to greet them and make it all worth the ride.
Sears Canada is the primary sponsor for the National Kids Cancer Ride. Five-year-old Sydney Forbes is the local ambassador for Sears New Glasgow.
The ride raises money for research and programs for children living with childhood cancer. It begins in Vancouver and stretches right across the country to Halifax. Riders can join in at any point along the route and can bike anywhere from 10 kilometres to up to 200 kilometres.
The riders bike on behalf of the 10,000 children in Canada burdened by cancer. They visit 17 pediatric oncology hospitals across Canada.
Terri Fraser, manager of Sears New Glasgow, said Sydney is an example of someone who has survived childhood cancer.
"She is someone who has experienced this, has lived through this."
Sydney has been post-chemo for four years now.
Her mother, Donna, said she has one more year to go before she's considered cancer-free.
"She's a very lucky girl."
She said it's important that other people know there's hope.
"It's a rough ride but there is light at the end of the tunnel."
When the riders stop in New Glasgow on June 23, they will enjoy a breakfast at our local Sears before heading back out on the road. Members of the public are encouraged to come out and cheer them on.
Sears New Glasgow recently held a silent auction at the Highland Square Mall to raise money for the bike ride.
They have raised over $3,000 so far and will be continuing to take donations at every register.
Donations can also be made online at www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com. Sears thanks all the local businesses that donated a prize to the auction.