Eston rallies around new family in town dealing with tragic situation

Just 10 months ago, Dave Lai, his wife Joy Zhao, and their kids Elsie and Bowen moved into the town of Eston not knowing a single person.

Lai and his family left Beijing, China in search of new opportunities in Canada. Right away, they were welcomed to Eston with open arms and felt a sense of belonging right here in the prairies.

Lai began working in a local restaurant called Great West Cafe and began showing off his exceptional skills in the kitchen. Everything seemed to be working out perfectly for the family as they opened a new chapter.

However, Lai recently found out he had been diagnosed with leukemia. Due to the tragic situation, Lai and his family were forced to leave Eston for Saskatoon so he could begin cancer treatments over the course of the next few months.

The community of Eston was surprised and saddened by the unexpected news. Kelly Knight lives in the town and got the chance to know the family in their short time living there.

Knight felt like it was the right thing to do to get involved and make a difference for a family that was filled with fear and uncertainty.

“I was completely shocked by it,” Knight said of the news. “My daughter had come home the day before and said that Elsie had missed quite a bit of school and that her dad was in the hospital.”

Kelly Knight’s daughter Maggie (left) and Dave Lai’s daughter Elsie (right). (Kelly Knight/Submitted)

Over the 10-month period, Knight’s daughter Maggie and Elsie formed a strong friendship together.

Knight confirmed the news about Dave’s well-being with Zhao and noticed she felt alone and afraid.

“She was sad and helpless, (and) didn’t know what to do,” Knight said. “As soon as I heard that, within maybe three or four hours, I had sent messages out and just asked the parents if they would be interested in getting an auction together.”

Within 24 hours, an online auction was created. It quickly turned into a massive event in the town with more than 100 items being presented.

From home-baked cookies to premium hotel stays, all items were sought after at a premium cost with the right intentions in mind.

People who didn’t even know Lai or Zhao personally were coming forward trying to give back anything they could to help.

Overall, there was more than $20,000 raised from the auction. The proceeds will now go towards new housing for Lai and his family as they try to begin a new life in Saskatoon, all while dealing with the process of cancer treatments.

Knight says seeing the community come together in a time of need really touched her heart.

“I think (because) we love our community, so then we want others to feel the same,” Knight said. “They were awesome at teaching us all things about their culture as well. It was just a good little friendship.

“If you ever get the chance to meet them, they’re just very easy to love. They are just likable people. Their love and their kindness really shines.”