Auction held in support of Alaina’s cochlear implants

Alaina Moninger (Rori Bennett, File Photo)

By Rori Bennett – Junior Reporter

The community of Wallaceburg pulled together once again to help a local family.

The Moninger family recently received news this that their 12-year-old daughter Alaina’s cochlear implants needed to be replaced.

Due to the cost of upgrading the implants, the Moninger family sent out a heartfelt plea for suggestions about where they could turn to raise the necessary funds.

The family would be required to pay more than $6,900 out of their own pocket since there is no government assistance available.

Previously, family and friends have organized a lemonade stand, as well as a penny social to help the family in their fundraising efforts.

The most recent fundraiser was an online auction, that featured a total of 41 items donated by various community members, family and friends.

The auction ran from October 17 at 9 a.m. until October 21 at 7 p.m.

“This is our final fundraiser for Alaina,” Kristine Moninger, Alaina’s mother, posted on social media prior to the launch of the fundraiser.

“When we originally began this journey, we were given a dollar amount that we were able to raise. When we called to place the order for the new implants, they advised us to hold off. They have a newer model being released this fall and it has some new features they feel would really benefit Alaina. We told them what we had raised so far and they told us to ‘keep fundraising’. So here we are, one last time.”

Although the family has not yet released the total raised, a post on the fundraising page stated: “Thanks again for your help in this final fundraiser to help the family cover the cost of her cochlear implant upgrade.”

Photos of the items listed in the auction can be found on the Wallaceburg Events Facebook page. 

For more information on Alaina’s cause, or to make a donation, see the GoFundMe page, made by Alaina’s aunt Kimberly Jee. 

- Advertisment -