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The Russell Agricultural Society will host a fundraising dinner in May that celebrates the life and courage of Jonathan Pitre.

The event, organized by the society’s Ladies Night Committee, will be raising money for DEBRA Canada, a charity that supports the families of those affected by epidermolysis bullosa (EB), the painful skin disease that made Pitre’s life a daily test of willpower.

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“Our theme this year is ‘Let Your Light Shine,’ in honour of Jonathan’s dream of travelling to the North to enjoy the beauty of the Northern Lights,” said Judy McFaul, one of the organizers.

The event, which is for women only, will feature a dinner, draw, silent auction and music. It will be held at the Russell Arena on the evening of Friday, May 3 — one month after the first anniversary of Pitre’s death in a Minnesota hospital.

Pitre, who grew up in Russell, died last year on April 4 from complications of a bone marrow transplant that he hoped would halt the advance of his EB. He was 17.

Pitre’s mother, Tina Boileau, the president of DEBRA Canada, will be at the hometown fundraiser.

Tickets are $55 each and can be bought online at www.russellfair.com, or by calling 613-445-4161.

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