Helen Hart's death sparks diabetes donations
By SHANNON FELLOWS -- Calgary Sun
Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association have poured in from
Calgarians paying tribute to wrestling matriarch Helen Hart.
Hart died Nov. 4 from complications due to diabetes at the age of 76.
After hearing of her death, many Calgarians have sent in donations to the
Canadian Diabetes Association in her memory.
"The day after the news of her passing was made public, the telephone
started ringing," says Karen Warrington, the fund development officer for
southern Alberta.
"There has been tremendous support from Calgarians in honour of her
memory."
Although it's not known exactly how much has been pledged on Hart's behalf,
Warrington said there has been a definite increase in donations since her
death.
The Alberta Children's Hospital experienced a similar increase in donations
after the death of Owen Hart -- the youngest of Helen's 12 children.
Owen died in 1999 after falling from a cable while being lowered into the
ring for a wrestling match in Kansas City.
Following that tragedy, the Hart family asked that donations be made to the
ACH, a cause that Owen and Bret (The Hitman) Hart both supported after the
death of their 13-year-old nephew, Matthew Annis, who died of flesh-eating
disease in 1996.
The Canadian Diabetes Association is asking Calgarians to keep up the
support and continue donating in Hart's honour.
"We encourage you to continue to make donations in the memory of Helen
Hart," Warrington said.
Donations can be made by phone at 403-266-0620.
