Online singing challenge raises over $5K for West Prince family

Hundreds of people from across Canadaare grabbing their guitarsand singingtheir hearts outto help an Islandfamily in need.

From Hallelujiah to South Bound Train, they are challenging each other to sing asongand donate to help outKim Beaton and her family of Alma, P.E.I.

Beaton was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2015. Although it's been a hard journey at times, she said she's been held up by those around her.

The people who have been asked to sing a song have been amazing. Malcolm Pitre

"It was tough but I jumped in it with a positive attitude," she said. "The community and surrounding areas have been so wonderful to us."

Perhaps one of the hardest parts of her diagnosis, she said, was explaining it to herdaughter and also having toexplain thather husband is waiting for a bed at a long-term care facility.

"I never shed a tear until I told my daughter, I was very strong and positive," Beaton said. "I sat her down and explained to her that mommy couldn't look after daddy anymore."

Malcolm Pitre, who's from the area,launched an online campaign to raise funds for the family but he said it's a bit of a twist on a traditional fundraiser.

The online campaign asks people to pay a minimum of $5 to challenge someone to sing a song and post the video for everyone to see.

Raised $5K

"The people who have been asked to sing a song have been amazing," he said.

"I think people are liking the idea."

What started as a gesture he hoped wouldraise about $1,000 has already topped $5,000. Nearly 4,000 members from across the country are tuningin and many are contributing to theonlinesinging challenge.

"For years and years West Prince has been known for having benefits for people who needed the help, so Iknew people would do this, Ididn't know it would get this crazy, but people are great," he said.

Beaton said the money is going to go a long way for herself and her daughter as "living alone now is going to be a big difference."

Beaton said her doctors told hershe's in great health and she's confident she'll beat the cancer.

"I'm going to beat it two more chemos and I'm all done," she said.

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