Ready to launch the Paint the Town Purple campaign in their fresh new campaign t-shirts July 18 were, from back left Chad, Dianne and Bruce Little; middle left: Erin Little, along with Chris Swain and Robert Swain from Keepsakes and Memories, and Liv-A-Little Foundation member Jeff Virgo; front row Harper and Olivia Little.
Hub Staff
A month of purple mania and awareness will descend on Saugeen Shores this August for the annual Paint the Town Purple campaign in the fight against Cystinosis, a life-threatening disease that afflicts roughly 75 children and young adults in Canada; including one Olivia Little of Saugeen Shores.
From purple bows that can be purchased at Keepsakes and Memories to purple donuts available at the Tim Hortons Gustavus Street location, the community is expected to again rally in support of the Liv-A-Little Foundation.
“This is our favourite time of year,” said Olivia’s mother Erin Little July 18. “It’s fun seeing all the different purple,” she said, adding that although Olivia doesn’t yet know about Cystinosis, it’s cute to watch her spot the colour.
The awareness campaign, which in the past has run for two weeks, will this year last the month of August leading up to September’s Swing, Shoot and Liv Golf Classic. New to the purple campaign are Paint the Town Purple t-shirts that can be purchased for $20 at Gord’s Pro Shop & Imprints in Port Elgin, the proceeds from which will be donated back to the Liv-a-Little Foundation.
A 4 foot tall purple paint bucket will be created for photo opportunities to maximize exposure and awareness through social media, the location of which is to be announced; and a group photo at Port Elgin Main Beach on August 31 is planned for all those who have purchased a t-shirt to bring to an end the 2017 campaign.
“We want to take a big photo of Saugeen Shores against Cystinosis,” said Little.
Chris Swain of Keepsakes and Memories has already started creating the bows that are available for purchase and is incorporating new designs.
Bob Swain added that since their involvement with the campaign over the past two years, thanks to "the fantastic support from our customers, we have contributed more than $6,000 to the Liv-A-Little Foundation."
Editor's Note: This article originally stated that Keepsakes and Memories had sold $6,000 worth of bows since its involvement with the campaign, donating only a portion back to the Foundation. The information has been corrected.
Olivia Little in her Paint the Town Purple t-shirt with dog, Squeaks, July 18.
Chris Swain of Keepsakes and Memories has created new bows people can use to decorate their homes for this year’s Paint the Town Purple campaign.
