Grassroots campaign underway in Cochrane, Alta., to raise enough to buy 3-year-old robotic legs

Cochrane resident Michelle Aguilar and her daughter Brielle Tomson talks about their reaction to the community's efforts to raise $43K to help her pay for robotic legs for Rielle. (CTV News Calgary)

A grassroots fundraising effort is underway in Cochrane for a little girl with special needs.

Cochrane Toyota will hold an event on June 14 to help buy robotic legs for three-year-old Brielle Thomson.

Brielle’s mom Michelle Aguilar has already collected bottles and sold chocolates to raise money, but she has a long way to go to cover the cost of those robotic legs.

Organizers hope to reach their $43,000 fundraising goal by mid-June.

“It’s honestly very overwhelming,” said Aguilar. “The support we’re getting from the community is overwhelming and I’m so thankful.”

“We can’t lose focus,” said fundraiser Dan Kroffat. “We have to maintain our attention to our local communities and individuals in need.

“And I think this mother’s love for her child and what she’s gone though --we can make a difference and this is a part where community comes together,” Kroffat added.

The June 14 event at Cochrane Toyota will include a silent auction, but you’re encouraged to donate in any way you can.