In just over a week, friends and co-workers gathered $7,600 to help a UWindsor carpenter offset costs related to his treatment for cancer.

“The response was just phenomenal,” said Sandy Power, one of the organizers of a campaign in support of Bernie Mulligan. “We are so pleased with the support. People all across campus wanted to help Bernie; even retirees came forward.”

She said the gift will enable Mulligan to concentrate on his fight without worrying about the financial strain on his family members. They plan to use it to pay for an experimental drug regimen not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

“The doctors haven’t held out much hope for Bernie, but he’s a fighter,” Power said. “Everybody who gave is just trying to let him know that we have his back.”

Organizers of a collection for Bernie Mulligan, a UWindsor Facility Services worker with cancer, raised $7,600 to help offset costs related to treatment. Top: Rick Mallat; Second row: Laurie McGhee, Sandy Power, Jeff Brown; Third Row: Linda Ruccolo, Lucy Formicuccia, Sue Skrobiak; Bottom: James McGinlay, Lorraine Cantin.

Friends have also organized a benefit dinner for Sunday, April 15, at Foolery’s Sports Bar and Grill, 2300 Huron Church Road. Tickets are $20 for an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase in the CAW Student Centre Commons on Wednesday, April 4, from 1 to 4 p.m.