Contest leads to outpouring of support for Saskatoon family

A perfect day on the radio has led to a surge of support for a Saskatchewan family facing some tough times.

Jonathan Vandermey appeared Thursday morning on C95’s Break the Bank contest.

Contestants are asked if they want to open a series of vaults, all but one of which contain a cash prize. However, one vault contains a buzzer. If that vault is opened, the contestant loses all their accumulated winnings.

Vandermey was able to nail a perfect result, racking up $732 before opting to stop opening vaults. It turns out, he would have lost it all had he kept going.

Over the course of his appearance on the contest, the audience learned Vandermey and his family have been facing serious challenges.

Vandermey, 40,  was diagnosed with colon cancer three months ago and has been unable to work while getting treatment. Meanwhile, his wife Karen was recently laid off.  With two young sons Jaxon, 8, and Cameron,12, to care for, the family’s finances had taken a hit.

While the $732 from the contest was a nice boost, the family also received an outpouring of support from listeners. Many texted or called into the station throughout the day Thursday saying they’d been moved to tears by the Vandermeys’ story and wanted to help out with gift cards, donations or offers to help Karen find a new job.

The family came into C95 Friday morning, where they were presented with Jonathan’s Break the Bank winnings, along with a box full of envelopes and gift cards dropped off by listeners and local businesses.

Along with the donations, the family received a pair of tickets to the Arkells’ upcoming show Feb. 8 at SaskTel Centre, a Marshalls shopping spree and a VIP game night from the Saskatoon Blades.

Jonathan said he was blown away by the generosity of people in the city toward a complete stranger.

“I didn’t expect the overwhelming support that I’m getting from the city, like, I really do appreciate what Saskatoon is doing right now.”

Karen said she too was overwhelmed by the kindness shown by listeners across the city.

“It’s amazing. So many prayers have been answered.”