It was a beautiful day in Alderville as organizers hosted the Third Annual Living Pink Balloon on Saturday, September 10th. About 150 people, all wearing pink t-shirts formed a human balloon. The event was held at the Alderville First Nation Ball Diamond and raised over $6,000. In the past 3 years, the Living Pink Balloon has raised more than $24,000 for the SickKids Foundation for the Brain and Behaviour Research Centre. Things were a little different this year as participants were encouraged to collect pledges from their friends, family and neighbours. The top Adult pledge earner was Wade Gray who raised $585 by taking pledges to cut his hair. Gray cut off more than a foot of his hair through the Scissor’s Edge, Alderville First Nation, which will be donated to Locks of Love. The top Child pledge earners were; Emma Gray who raised $175 and won an iPod Nano, Alex Tinney, who raised $705 and won a bike and Brenna Crowe, who raised $735 and won an iPod Touch. Crowe is one of the children in the Alderville area who has benefitted from the work of SickKids Hospital. She is has been receiving treatment for a brain tumour (Craniopharyngioma) since she was 3 years old. The Indian River Reptile Zoo was on hand to perform their Reptile Show. Loonie Lane featured Bouncing Castles, Face Painting, Popcorn, Sno Cones, and Toenail Painting. The North Hastings Offroad Club was also on hand to offer rides to kids. Owasco VW in Ajax held a raffle for the rental of a VW Beetle for a weekend, which was won by Fred Pelletier. Brad Crowe was giving wagon rides and Emily MacKenzie was offering horseback rides. The Crowe family also brough out a pair of Stock race cars for display. The Living Pink Balloon will continue next year in September. Merchandise is also available for purchase year-round at http://livingpinkballoon.org. About The Living Pink Balloon In this small community, the children of two families have been involved with Toronto?s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Hollie Gray suffered a fatal brain aneurysm, which was originally diagnosed as a brain tumour. The Brenna Crowe is receiving ongoing treatment for a brain tumour (craniopharyngioma). Like so many families and communities, SickKids has offered world-class comfort and care in times of great stress and desperation. This committee has been formed to help give back in a small way to the compassionate care offered by SickKids Our hope is to form a Living Pink Balloon with the idea of gathering people wearing pink t-shirts as a symbol of solidarity in support of SickKids foundation and brain and behavior research. This concept is based on the idea of the living Green Ribbon created by the Trillium Foundation (gift of life organ donation).