Ken Costello will never forget how Goderich and area supported him and his family while their son Hunter was fighting leukemia. “The community was huge for us. The amount of support they did, the amount of fundraisers that were done for us. It was a big inspiration for why we started what we do. We wanted to pay it forward and, you know, start the charity and give back to the community that gave to us,” said Ken Costello, Hunter’s father. Sadly, Hunter died in 2016. A year later, his family started the Hunter Costello Memorial Fun-dation, to help Huron County families with expenses around ill or special needs children. “Whether it’s they have a hospital stay, or even if it’s just stuff at home, that we’ve helped out with. Chairlifts and, special beds and stuff like that, just to make life easier for kids with special needs,” said Ken. Since 2017, the Hunter Costello Memorial Fun-dation has given $110,000 to more than 25 families, to help them during their darkest days. “We’ll tell a family, all you need to do is give us your email address. That’s it. And then we’ll send you an e-transfer. And if you need more help, you have our contact information and get a hold of us. So, it’s been for me, almost therapeutic to be part of,” said Joe Hallam, family friend, and Hunter Costello Fun-dation board member. One of those families the Fun-dation helped was Roo Fox’s. A couple of years ago, Fox’s family needed help after she went blind during pregnancy, her son was very premature and had trouble breathing, and her husband was laid off, all at the same time. “We wouldn’t really have been able to do it, if we didn’t have that foundation supporting us, not only just financially, but, you know, as a community. Like, we’re here for you. We see you. You’re not alone. So, that that was really nice. And I’m sure other families feel the same way too,” said Fox. “The community helped us. It feels good to help others that need it, and they appreciate it. And we appreciate the fact that they appreciate it,” said Ken. The Fun-dation is holding a wrestling fundraiser Oct. 17 in Goderich to raise funds to help more Huron County families, as well as improve the playground bearing Hunter’s name. “We always want to keep helping families. That’s the number one goal. But, the next goal is to improve upon this wonderful playground behind me. We’re looking at getting some rubber matting put on it. Maybe a pavilion nearby, all sorts of other stuff,” said Ken. “For the fundraiser, if you can afford to put some money in the bin, that’d be great. We can give that to a family in need, and if you can’t, then just enjoy the show and have some fun,” said Hallam.
