“Amazing to see it in person”: Kamloops teen checks out what her $19K in fundraising bought for hospice

KAMLOOPS — After Cassie McNutt raised more than $19,300 this past winter for Kamloops Hospice, she was finally able to see what her charitable efforts bought.

McNutt is a 15-year-old high school student in Kamloops, and hosts an annual charity drive for hospice — with an impressive Christmas light display at her family’s home in Dallas.

After this most recent fundraiser, Kamloops Hospice was able to purchase two patient ceiling lifts.

“I didn’t even know that these things were possible before doing this, but it’s really amazing to see it in person,” McNutt told CFJC after being invited to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home to try out the newly installed lift on Tuesday (June 14).

“It was super fun actually — it was like I was flying almost,” McNutt describes. “But it was super, super calm, there weren’t any bumps on it, it was super comfy and it was really nice.”

Kamloops Hospice Acting Executive Director Erin Gardner says the lift equipment provides easier moves in and out of a bed, and getting someone up after a fall — which is hugely helpful to both staff and guests.

“So exciting. Not very many teenagers out there are spending their Christmases looking to support a non-profit in their community,” says Gardner. “We’re so excited to have Cassie come back and actually get to see the fruits of her labour over her whole month of December planning.”

It’s the first time the high school student has seen for herself what the fundraising earned, although lately she’s been hearing from others who have benefitted.

“I’ve heard from a few of my dad’s friends and stuff, and just people around the community that their loved ones have been using the lift, and it’s really nice to hear that I could have done that for them.”

After taking a ride on the lift, Cassie says she felt inspired to pour even more of her energy into the upcoming winter fundraiser.

“As soon as we started last year too, as soon as I saw everyone’s reactions in the community and who we were helping, it really made me love what I’m doing.”

The McNutt family has already begun planning out this year’s light display, and prepping for donation collection in the hopes of raising even more money for hospice.

For more information about this year’s donation campaign, click here.