In an incredible show of community support, Huntsville is banding together for one of their own.
Canvas Brewing Co. is hosting the Stand with Sluman Fundraiser and Dance on March 28 in support of Huntsville native Chris Sluman, who was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January.
The event is being organized by Sluman’s cousins, Linda Fraser and Jamie-Lynn Sluman-Brown. Fraser, who is the Front of House Manager at Canvas Brewing Co., says the community support they have received is immense, and volunteers, donors, and sponsors have all stepped up to help.
“We’ve felt such an outpouring of support. The amount of kindness that has come out is phenomenal,” Fraser said. “We are extremely grateful.”
The evening will feature live music from Holly Ballantine and the Sean Cotton Band. Merchandise such as hats, T-shirts, and sweaters sporting the Stand with Sluman brand will be available for purchase.
A silent auction will also be held, featuring donated items from local businesses including a golf package at Deerhurst Resort, a car detailing from Festing Toyota, sports memorabilia, artwork, gift baskets, and more.
In addition, an online raffle is underway with major prizes, including tickets to the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars game in April, a 16-foot cedar strip canoe, and a beer fridge stocked with assorted beverages.
Food will be available during the event from Fox in the Henhouse food truck, which will donate a portion of its sales to the fundraiser.
Those unable to attend can still contribute by purchasing an empty chair ticket.
The initial fundraising event was held in North Bay, where Sluman currently lives with his wife, Dr. Hailey Bertrand-Sluman, and their seven-year-old daughter, Briar. The event sold out and raised more than $76,000.
Fraser says that once the Huntsville community caught wind of the event in North Bay, word got around and interest grew.
“Huntsville kept saying ‘Why aren’t you doing something here? What about us? We want to help.’ They would not leave me alone,” Fraser said. “I think this has really resonated with a lot of people…We didn’t expect to have as much support as we did, and we were just overwhelmed. So, I said we’re going to do one in Huntsville.”
Fraser says the funds raised will help cover the $330,000 required for Sluman’s course of treatment, two drugs that are approved by Health Canada but not publicly funded for his diagnosis. The funds will also help with related costs, including a rental home close to the hospital in Sudbury during treatment, transportation, living expenses, and lost income.
Between fundraising events and the GoFundMe page for Sluman, more than $250,000 has been raised so far.
“We’re not going to stop until we get what they need,” Fraser said. “They have such a large mountain to climb. This is such a life-changing event for them at such a young age…if we can take out one element of stress for them, that makes it easier.”
Sluman works as a farrier, while his wife owns a veterinary clinic in North Bay. Both previously rode horses professionally and are active members of their communities. Fraser says the strong and widespread show of support they have received is a testament to Sluman’s character and the impact he has had on those around him.
“Everyone always says that Christopher is that guy that would give you the shirt off his back, so many people say things like that. But I’ve seen him literally do it,” Fraser said. “Good people attract good people, that’s what it comes down to. I don’t know if I can ever remember a time in my life where I could see good karma working so instantly.”
For more information, email standwithsluman@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page Stand with Sluman Huntsville Fundraiser & Dance
