When Barb Groff heard the news of the collision that claimed the lives of 16 players and staff of the Humboldt Broncos, it hit close to home.
Groff said it took her back to the chaos of the day she lost her own child –
a six-year-old daughter named Amber who died suddenly of meningitis.
“She had her sixth birthday on that day, and she got drastically ill and passed away the next day,” explained Groff.
“Those parents – they would start their day like any other day, like we did that day, and then having a parent’s worst nightmare happen. I can relate and share what they’re going through.”
Groff felt compelled to do what she could to make a difference in the lives of the families affected by the accident. She coloured her hair yellow and green –
the team colours of the Humboldt Broncos – and pledged to shave it in the coming weeks to raise awareness of a personal fundraiser she is working on for the families.
“I’m doing a fundraiser just because I can relate to the families that lost their children in the Humboldt bus crash,” said Groff.
“I just came up with this idea to raise a little bit of money – colour my hair and shave it at the end.”
Groff has arranged fundraiser drop off locations at Candy Bar and the Flin Flon Credit Union, and anyone interested in donating can approach Groff personally, as well. She also encourages anyone who is interested to jump on board and show their support. Any funds raised will go to the Humboldt Strong Community Foundation, which aims to support Humboldt Broncos players, employees, families and volunteers, as well as first responders, emergency services personnel, teams, athletes, related organizations and communities affected by the crash of the Humboldt Broncos team bus on April 6.
“If they want to join me in shaving their heads, the more the merrier,” she said.
“I did it for cancer with a bunch of girls – it’s nothing new for me and it’s only hair. It’s going to grow back. It’s something I thought I could do to help.”
Groff has no monetary goal in mind, and said that when the fundraiser is over, she and her husband will travel to Humboldt to personally deliver the funds to the Humboldt Broncos.
“For me, it’s not even about the money. It’s just something I want to do for my own peace of mind that I’ve hopefully made a difference.”
