Pint Sized Gord Downie Makes Headlines Again for His Halloween Kindness

When Bentley Davidson was 2, he dressed up for Halloween as Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip. He didn’t plan to raise money but he received so much attention for his costume his parents decided to turn it into a fundraiser. That fundraiser turned into an annual event, raising money for local charities.

COVID-19 changed how Bentley fundraised. His Mom Shannon White was not going to be deterred from continuing this tradition. Shannon says they just had to rethink how they were going to fundraise. Bentley and Shannon approached area businesses and asked them to make a donation which she turned into gift baskets then raffled off. Shannon says, “It was so fun this year because everyone was so kind in a world that is chaotic.” They raffled off gift certificates and gift baskets raising a total of $13,401.

All money raised will be going to the Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Clinic at Belleville General Hospital. Shannon says, “We started fundraising for cancer care when Gord Downie was diagnosed with brain cancer but it has become more personal this year.” Bentley’s aunt Taylor who is 24 was diagnosed with cancer and the family knows how important it is to keep cancer care close to home.

When it comes to the amount raised Shannon attributes it to the community. She says, “It was all of the businesses, small businesses, community, friends and family that made this happen. I am just the middle person.” She continues, “Adam and I are beyond proud of the person Bentley is becoming. We are grateful to everyone who had a hand in making this come together.”

BGHF Executive Director Steve Cook echoed Shannon’s sentiments saying, “Thank you to all the area businesses that contributed to this fundraiser but most importantly to Bentley and Shannon for organizing this effort. It is truly an incredible effort and will go a long way to helping everyone in our area who has been touched by cancer.”