SOUTH MUSKOKA — The people and their generosity overflowed in Gravenhurst last week.
Supporters, family and friends of 17-year-old Nic Paterson came out in droves to the April 19, 5:30 p.m. silent auction and fundraising event, with a long lineup milling about before the event even began.
“It was simply an absolutely awesome evening,” said David Heaslip, one of the key organizers. “The love and support that was going on there was just so moving and emotional.”
Paterson, a Grade 12 Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School (BMLSS) student and former Gravenhurst High School student, was seriously injured earlier this winter while skiing and is facing months of rehabilitation in Toronto. His single mother Tammy, who is also a private business owner, has had to set aside her work duties to care for and support her son, and Heaslip said he could not allow his personal and longtime friends to suffer the financial hardships brought on by the tragedy that injured Paterson’s back and left him at least temporarily paralyzed.
“When the accident happened, the first thing I knew was this was not going to be easy for the family and it was going to be a long (recovery) process,” he added. “We couldn’t let them down.”
“The showing of support from people who donated items (for the silent auction) to the people who showed up, the outpouring of support was incredible,” Heaslip said of the fundraising event last Thursday night at the Farmer’s Plate Restaurant. “At the end of the night as people were leaving the (restaurant) owners (Margaret and Martin Kaspar) were so touched by the showing of support and the love shown that they ended up donating all the food, which we weren’t expecting at all; everyone came out and threw their support behind this.”
The update on Paterson is a good one as well. While Heaslip said things are progressing slowly, they are progressing and the young man now has movement in his arms, hands, legs and a few toes, although he is still not able to move his fingers.
Family friend and an event organizer Micky Iutzi said between the event Thursday night and the generosity pouring in through outside donations, she’s been inspired by her community.
“People are still in a giving mood even if the economy isn’t the greatest,” she said. “It gives me goosebumps.”
A ladies golf and bridge tournament is being planned for the Granite Ridge Golf Club, although no exact date has yet been set. If anyone would like to support the family or for more information, check out the website at www.nicpaterson.com or make a donation through TD Canada Trust.

Paterson now has movement in his arms, hands, legs