Molly's Rainbow brings smiles to faces

Based on the smiles, laughs and squeals of joy coming from the North Nova Education Centre gym Saturday afternoon, you'd never know that Molly's Rainbow is an event borne out of tragedy.

"This event is in memory of my daughter Molly, who passed away a little over three years ago," says organizer Jodi MacIvor.

"Tomorrow (Sept. 16) would be her birthday, Molly and I shared the same birthday, and I didn't want it to be a day of mourning. I wanted it to be a celebration of her life. We only had her for a short time, and it was a lot of great times, and her life is worth celebrating, and that's why we hold this."

Molly's Rainbow started out as a small gathering of friends, family and neighbours at MacIvor's home. In three years it has grown to a highly anticipated annual event.

"It just snowballed. We were expecting 150 this year, and then we had to change locations and move it to the school. Hopefully (it will be) a lot bigger and better, and hopefully we'll be able to get a few more sponsors, as it gets pretty costly to put on an event like this."

This year, the carnival included 12 different game booths, temporary tattoos and face painting, as well as a number of entertainers out amongst the crowd. Unlike many other festivals, everything is free at Molly's Rainbow, from the games to the food and drinks. Donations are collected at the door for charity.

"It's going towards the IWK and Bailey's Hope Society, which provides support for grieving kids, parents. They hold camps for the kids and workshops for the parents."

Being non-profit, every performer and worker is there on a voluntary basis. MacIvor says it's surprisingly easy to find people to donate their time.

"People were more than willing to help out for a good cause."

Looking around a crowded gym full of happy families, a smile crosses MacIvor's face.

"It's great and they really should be proud of themselves for coming out and supporting such a great cause, and just to celebrate life  and that's what everybody should do every day."