Watch above: Clara’s Day at the Park celebrates the lives of Rafaela and Clara Andrade. As Jackie Wilson reports, it is a way for friends and family to give back to the community.
SASKATOON – Sometimes out of tragedy come light. The second annual Clara’s Day at the Park was held on Aug 23 at Ernest Lindner Park to celebrate the lives of Rafaela and Clara Andrade.
Two years ago, Rafaela and her two-year-old daughter Clara died in a car crash on their way to Diefenbaker Lake to spend a summer weekend camping with friends.
As a way to celebrate their lives and to give back to the community, Rafaela’s family and friends organized this event.
“This was Rafaela’s philosophy, to help people in need and that is what we are going to fight for. To help whoever is out there,” says Thiago Piado, Rafaela’s friend.
Ernest Lindner Park was filled with families participating in face panting, balloon animals, bouncy castles, Zumba, crafts, and soccer.
The University of Saskatchewan’s women soccer team was also at the event playing with kids.
However, organizers also wanted to bring awareness to blood and organ donations, as well as children’s car seat safety. The Canadian Blood Services had a tent where people could find out their blood type and learn about One Match stem cell and bone marrow donation.
In the parking lot there was also a spot where parents could bring their car seat(s) and learn about how to properly install them.
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Clara was an organ donor, which is rare for children. Organizers say she helped save lives and that’s why they’re focused on giving back.
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The same celebration of life also took place in South America where Rafaela’s family is from.
“It was a huge success! It was led by Rafaela’s family and her husband. We had a line up of three hundred people donating blood and there was a three hour line up to donate on site,” says Piado.
Organizers say it was Rafaela’s dream to help as many people as possible. Her dream is now coming true because a day care and education facility is being built in Brazil to honor her.
“They are building a facility to help one hundred and twenty kids in need. That facility will be feeding, educating, and entertaining them,” says Piado.
Family and friends have set a $5,000 fundraising goal for the event. All proceeds will go towards the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.
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