Teen's $5K Freezie Stand Honors Terry Fox Hero Legacy

A group of teenagers stood outside a Surrey grocery store on a warm June day, selling freezies to honor a friend who taught them the power of small acts of kindness.

Chase De Balinhard started his first freezie fundraiser in 2018 when he turned 9 years old. His hero was Terry Fox, and he wanted to help raise money for cancer research just like his idol had inspired millions to do.

That first year, Chase and his friends raised $700 for the Terry Fox Foundation. The next year, they raised $1,100, proving that a simple frozen treat could make a real difference.

On June 19, 2026, Chase's friends gathered at the Clayton Heights Save-On-Foods to continue what he started. The second annual memorial fundraiser brought together about half a dozen volunteers who remembered their friend's generous spirit.

"The kids were so gracious and so kind," said Joy Schroeder, one of the organizers and mother of Chase's friend Seth. "It was still nice to have Chase's memory brought up once again for them."

The fundraiser exceeded everyone's expectations. Between freezie sales and online donations, the group raised more than $5,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Crystal and Rick de Balinhard, Chase's parents, joined the volunteers that day. They watched as the community rallied around their son's legacy of giving, turning tragedy into hope.

The Ripple Effect

Chase's simple idea has now raised thousands of dollars for cancer research across three years. His ninth birthday wish to help others has inspired friends, family, and strangers to keep that mission alive.

The fundraiser gave Chase's friends a chance to process their grief while doing something positive. They learned that honoring someone's memory doesn't have to be sad—it can be active, joyful, and meaningful.

"We can do good things in the memory of those we love," Schroeder said, noting the "feeling of hope" that filled the air that day. The community's support showed Chase's family that their son won't be forgotten.

Donations are still being accepted online for anyone wanting to contribute to Chase's legacy.

Chase would have turned 17 on June 28, but his impact continues to grow with every dollar raised and every person inspired by his story.