LISTOWEL – The planning and waiting is nearly over, and ANGtravaganza is finally upon us.
The event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Between The Lines Sports Campus and the Listowel Squash Courts on Rocher Road. The fundraiser will feature a wide variety of both family and adult activities throughout the day, with all proceeds being directed towards Ang Stratton, a 38-year-old single mother from Listowel.
Stratton was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. After successful treatment, she had been in the clear and in remission for five years before the cancer returned and metastasized in December 2021. Her now Stage 4 breast cancer is not curable but treatable, with frequent trips to Grand River Hospital in Kitchener required, and the bills are adding up.
“Financially it’s been a struggle for Ang for a while,” said Tami Cressey, Stratton’s sister. “People with Ang’s diagnosis typically don’t work. Her oncologist and her medical team do not want her to work; she’s a single mom and she doesn’t have a choice, she doesn’t have health insurance.
“If we can take a little bit of financial pressure away from her, then she can just concentrate on her health.”
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 21, family-friendly events will be highlighted, including bubble soccer, a ‘bouncy house,’ balloon animals, batting cages, gymnastics, face painting and court activities split between the Squash Courts and Between The Lines. Admission will be by donation.
At 4 p.m., the King and Queen of the Court co-ed tournament will commence, with participants playing a game of badminton, pickleball and squash to determine who will be crowned the event’s royalty. This is a licensed event, with the cost to play in the tournament $25 per person. Cressey said that even if you have never played any one of the three court sports, previous experience is not required with the objective just to have fun and support the cause. Participants are also encouraged to dress up in ‘something goofy’ for the tournament.
Food trucks will also be on site, as well as a silent auction table.
“Not only is it going to be a really great fundraiser, it’s going to be a really fun day,” said Cressey, adding that the event will be a terrific way to break up the winter monotony following the holiday season. “We’ve got all kinds of great stuff planned for the day. It’s also about awareness and education, and just bringing the community together.
“Hopefully we’ll have lots of people out.”
