Blog: La Canada Junior Women's Club Rallies for Sport Chalet Employee

A group of La Canada Junior Women's Club (LCJWC) members were together on March 1 at 10 a.m. planning this year's fundraising party, April in Paris. One member, Lisa Henderson, received a phone call about an explosion at the La Canada Sports Chalet. As she shared the information with the ladies at the meeting, they all hoped no one was hurt.

The women of the La Canada Junior Women’s Club are always quick to respond to needs within the community. So much so, in fact, that after helping families during and after the Station Fires several years ago, LCJWC created a new board position of Community Outreach Director. This position, currently held by LCJWC member Darleen Peterson, serves to coordinate quick response to local needs.

La Canada resident Jill Pieterse sent an email to friends in the community about Victor Gonzalez, one of the employees injured in the Sports Chalet explosion. Pieterse has known Victor's mother and family for many years.

According to Pieterse’s email, Victor suffered severe burns over 60% of his body. As many as 10 family members rotate in and out of Huntington Hospital to support the family. Many of these people have limited means. She requested in her letter, if anyone could donate gift cards to Target, grocery stores, McDonalds or Baja Fresh.

LCJWC member, Sharon Gray, received the email from Pieterse and forwarded it to LCJWC President Carole Swemline. When Swemline and Peterson read the email, they felt compelled to notify all LCJWC members.

“The La Canada Junior Women’s Club is dedicated to serving our community, furthering worthy causes, and helping those who are less fortunate, especially women and children. When we heard what had happened to Victor Gonzalez and the hardship his family was facing, our members immediately rallied to help,” said Peterson. 

As of Monday, March 11, Swemline reported that the La Canada Junior Women’s Club have collected 25 gift cards from Chipotle, Trader Joe’s, Subway, McDonalds, Starbucks and Target. One member donated a $200 American Express gift card, another a $50 Visa gift card. Other members donated over $500 to help the family in this difficult time period.

Swemline and Peterson have extended the collection of gift cards and money to March 13, 2013. “All our members are keeping all those who were injured in the Sport Chalet accident in our thoughts,” shared Peterson.

The cards and money will be delivered to Jill Pieterse this week to be given to Victor’s family.