Charelli’s Cheese Shop and Delicatessen staff and customers are working to make Christmas a little brighter for a family struggling with the devastating effects of cancer.
The family fled the war in Kosovo and arrived in Canada as refugees, working hard and building a life for their two daughters, who were both born in Canada.
Last year, while the mother was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, the father was diagnosed with a rare form of a lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension stemming from exposure to harmful chemicals at his previous work in Kosovo.
Long supporters of Victoria Hospice, the Charelli’s staff and their customers helped the family enjoy their last Christmas together before the father died in February.
Now, the mother of the two girls, age 9 and 10, discovered her ovarian cancer has recurred and she is entering palliative treatment.
While her daughters have asked for little, their mom says the girls like to shop at Ardene. Charelli’s staff also suggest gift cards to family-friendly activities and restaurants to help the family make memories, plus practical places such as grocery and department stores.
Charelli’s accepts donations at the store until Dec. 21. Staff have also set up a GoFundMe site for online donations to help with the girls’ future at https://www.gofundme.com/charellis-victoria-hospice-family.