Neighbors United to host craft show benefiting firefighters battling cancer

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Neighbors United is raising funds for firefighters battling cancer with its Walk for the Red Charity Craft Show at the Disabled American Veterans Hall at 47326 Dequindre Road in Shelby Township next month.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23, there will be arts and crafts and more for sale to benefit the firefighters.

There will be 40 artisans displaying their crafts for sale in time for the holiday season. The door donations will go directly to Neighbors United-Walk for the Red.

Kathy Grenier said she and her daughter Michelle wanted to do something to help raise funds, so they decided on this craft show.

“The Disabled American Veteran Hall gave us a deal on the rental so we could actually raise money. It was very nice of them. All but four tables are rented to crafters for the show. (We’re) excited to be able to help any way we can for this very worthy cause,” she said.

Joe Warne, president of Neighbors United, said they believe the event is a good opportunity to try a different avenue of fundraising.

“We always encourage our followers and volunteers to go out and fund raise for us on their own. For Kathy and Michelle to do this takes a lot off our plate and allows our team to be in other areas to help support our Michigan firefighters with cancer,” he said.

He said firefighters are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than any other profession and every year the number of firefighters who need help goes up.

“This year over $330,000 will be given to 75 firefighters from across the state,” he said.

The nonprofit Neighbors United’s biggest fundraiser is #walkforthe RED, an annual walk across the state that Warne, a Macomb Township firefighter, has made for the past six years. For more about Neighbors United, visit walkforthered.com or facebook.com/neighborsunitedmi.