Saskatoon mom thanks C-95 and Independent Grocers for much-needed help

Brittany Nelson needed some essential groceries — just enough to get her and her son through a couple of days until her family members returned to Saskatoon.

The 29-year-old woman couldn’t get out to do that, though. She’s suffering from cancer and has chemotherapy sessions twice a week.

Going out to buy groceries could compromise her immune system, especially now with new COVID-19 cases being reported every day in the province.

On Thursday, she contacted CKOM’s sister station C-95 to ask morning show hosts Shauna Foster and Rob Suski whether someone could help her out.

“We were doing some shout-outs, getting some positive vibes going,” Suski recalled.”And Brittany called in and said that she was unable to leave the house.”

Nelson said Suski called her back right away and volunteered to do it.

“He’s like, ‘For sure, we’ll find someone to get your groceries to you,’ and he even mentioned, ‘If it’s me after work, I’d love to do that for you.’ He asked me to send a message with my cell phone number … and a list,” Nelson said.

Suski went to Independent Grocers on 51st Street in Saskatoon, where he met Michael, who offered his help as well.

“Small businesses are the ones coming through right now. Guys like Michael. All the credit to him,” Suski said.

Nelson’s list included items like bananas, eggs, and salad — essentials, she says. There was no charge for any of the groceries, but there was a request from Michael for anything else that she might need.

“So I asked Brittany if there was anything else she needed,” explained Suski. “She said, ‘I feel terrible asking if there are a couple of little extras like some frozen yogurt’ – for her little boy. He just wanted to have some frozen yogurt with some chocolate sauce on it.”

Nelson said some Epsom salts and bubble baths were also included so she could relax after a rough few weeks.

“I was prepared to pay for everything, so Michael was unbelievably gracious (and) very, very sweet,” she said. “I’m still in shock, to be honest.”

She added that she will try to pay forward the kindness shown to her in the future. For now, she is focusing on her road to recovery and is thankful for the community support.