Help The Skinner Family

My name is Anita and I am fundraising for THE SKINNER FAMILY.

On Saturday, April 27th Jim Skinner, husband and father to the Skinner family, passed away suddenly following a cardiac incident. Jim had just celebrated his 57th birthday. Jim leaves behind his wife, Cindy, and three amazing young adult children; Amy, Abby and Alan. Jim and Cindy were married for over 25 years, raising their beautiful family together.

Just five weeks before Jim’s passing, the family was shocked when a cardiologist informed them that Jim needed an aortic heart valve replacement as soon as possible. Jim has faced health issues over the years but there was an obvious decline in his health the past few months. He was awaiting a surgery date for May at the time of his passing. As you can imagine, the Skinner family was hopeful this surgery would bring full recovery to Jim. His sudden passing has been a painful shock for each of them.

I have personally known the Skinner family for thirteen years and have watched them face trials and adversity with a quiet strength and humility while raising three wonderful children.

The Skinner children all live at home, as each are in different stages of secondary education while holding down jobs, and volunteering in their community. Cindy works two jobs outside the home while managing the needs of her very busy family. Cindy has been a master solution specialist and has found ways to make her home a happy and healthy place during all the ups and downs that life has brought.

Jim was a handyman that could fix anything and took pleasure in helping people. His sense of humour and friendly manner put people at ease. At the time of his death, Jim was on leave from his job as a porter at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Visiting with the patients and families while he transported them throughout the hospital was very fulfilling for Jim. He knew the pain of having a very sick child, as one of his spent years fighting in that very hospital over many years.

Over their 25+ years, the Skinner family has faced many difficult trials. And sadly, due to Jim's health issues and family circumstances throughout the years, he has not always been able to work full-time. The Skinner Family journey has brought great financial strain over the many years. The stress of their path has also taken a toll on Cindy’s health.

A group of us at JOURNEY CHURCH got together to discuss how we could best help the Skinner family during this difficult time. We concluded that the most significant gift we could offer was to relieve some of the financial strain that has built up over the past difficult years, as well as to the unexpected present expenses.

Many of us have experienced the generosity of the Skinner family. Amy, Abby and Alan have served and cared for our children at church and summer camps over the years. They have all been protecting and mentoring our children while acting as counsellors and lifeguards. Amy has used her education to serve our kids in her role as children’s pastor and camp director. Cindy has quietly worked in the background doing the unseen things. Jim has been an advisor and handyman to many of us. We would like to bless them in return.

Thank you for considering what you can contribute to help our recently widowed friend provide for her family during this transition time.

“Learn to do good, to be fair, and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows.” Isaiah 1:17 (TLB)