2nd annual freezie fundraiser to honour legacy of Surrey teen
Published 3:00 pm Friday, June 5, 2026
A year ago, a grieving community came together over freezies.
They raised thousands of dollars for cancer research in memory of Chase de Balinhard, whose tragic death four months earlier in February, 2025, shocked family, friends, and city residents.
Now the charity event is set to return June 19.
“The fundraiser was an incredible success, raising more than $10,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation,” Joy Schroeder told the Cloverdale Reporter via email. “We are now preparing for our 2nd annual Freezie Fundraiser.”
Schroeder and her son organised the event last year with the goal of honouring Chase’s memory and raising money for cancer research—continuing a tradition Chase started years ago.
The Cloverdale Reporter documented a freezie fundraiser Chase held when he turned 9 in 2018. Chase would celebrate his birthday (June 28) each year by holding a fundraiser in Terry Fox’s memory. Fox was Chase’s hero. The celebration turned into an annual tradition as June 28 was also the day Chase’s hero lost his battle with cancer.
Chase and his friends staked claim to a spot outside Clayton’s Save-on-Foods and sold freezies for a buck in 2018 with all money raised going to the Terry Fox Foundation. They raised more than $700 that day.
This year, Schroeder said the goal is simple: continue honouring Chase’s memory while raising funds for cancer research for the Terry Fox Foundation.
She said they’ll be asking for a minimum donation of a buck a freezie, but people can always donate more if they want to. She added they’ll also have electronic donation options this year to make it even easier for people to contribute.
Schroeder said last year’s event exceeded expectations. She wants to keep the buzz related to last year’s event rolling, something she noted can be can be challenging at times.
“One of our biggest concerns this year is maintaining the momentum and awareness that was created during the inaugural fundraiser,” she explained. “While Chase’s story touched so many people, time passes quickly, and we’re hopeful that sharing the story again will remind the community of the impact they helped make last year and encourage them to come out and support the cause once more.”
Chase would have turned 17 this June 28.
The fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 19, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Save-On-Foods in Clayton Heights (18710 Fraser Highway).