Friends and family of Sylvain Gagnon have initiated a fundraising effort to help out the freelance photographer who was severely injured after being struck by the starting gate more than two weeks ago in St. Aime des Lacs, Que.
Gagnon, 46, is still in hospital in Québec City, awaiting a transfer to Montréal. He's suffered facial injuries, a concussion, a jaw fracture and vision loss in his right eye.
"He's Lucky to be alive," said his brother, Daniel, 43.
It's unclear how long Gagnon, who has a spouse and three children aged 9 to 14, will need to recuperate fully.
As a freelancer, his revenue stream has been cut off.
"By raising funds, we're hoping to give him the time to take the time he needs," said friend Lysanne St. Pierre.
Those that want to contribute can do so by sending a cheque in his name to P.O. Box 01, Succursale Pointe-aux-Trembles, Montréal, QC., H1B 5K1. There will also be a collection on-site at Hippodrome 3R on September 8.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
I have received a offer of
I have received a offer of $3,000.00 for the BIG JIM 2014 breeding for 2014 from George Leber of ICR Racing.
I am hoping that someone will offer more money for this family.
Please consider if you are thinking of breeding in 2014 and contact me by E-mail at [email protected].
The racing industry is very
The racing industry is very lucky to have such a decent guy like Jim Carr involved in our sport. I met Jim last year when he reached out to my granddaughter Lilly for a letter she wrote to Premier McGuinty. We have become very good friends and I know he has been a big supporter of our industry. We need to have more stand up owners like Jim involved in the industry. Ronda Markle
Sylvain was the track
Sylvain was the track photographer at Blue Bonnets/Hippodrome de Montreal for more than 25 years. As you can imagine, he was part of the collateral damage when the government of Quebec let our industry go down the tube. He was well-known and well-liked by all the horsemen and he certainly deserves our support.
Mr. CARR, this is a kind and
Mr. CARR, this is a kind and much appreciated gesture I am sure.It also shows the compensation and feelings horsemen have towards one another when in need. Sylvain gives of his time and experience to promote the horse racing industry. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Once again Mr. CARR,thank you for showing your concern and generosity in this time of need.I wish you and your family the best of HEALTH and LUCK. Ron
I know this is the wrong time
I know this is the wrong time of year to do this but as the majority owner of BIG JIM I will donate a breeding in 2014 provided that you can sell or auction off at a price no lower than $3,000.00 that will be donated to the fund for SYLVAIN.
This would have to be done now and I would have a certificate from Seelster Farms with a guarantee to a breeding that produces a live foal in 2015.
Please contact me at 905-971-5888 and lets make something work to help out this family.