When Jim Hickman first started working in the kitchen at the BrewHouse in Whistler about ten years ago he never dreamed he could soon be in the fight of his life against colon cancer.
He also wasn’t aware of how supportive his coworkers and management team would become as he battled the deadly cancer. Hickman was just focussed on making a decent living in Whistler, and enjoying a mountain lifestyle.
Today, he is still fulfilling his Whistler dream, but finding that colon cancer racks up a steady stream of medical bills. To help ward off debt collectors, BrewHouse staff have decided to participate in Tip Out To Help and raise money for Hickman.
“BrewHouse servers have the option of donating a portion of their tips to Jim and restaurant guests have the option of rounding up their bill,” said Andrea Rogers, Manager of the BrewHouse. “Jim is currently going through chemotherapy and he still shows up for shifts at work, this guy needs to be recognized for his strength and commitment. It’s tough for him to afford medical bills and rent, especially in a place like Whistler, so we are happy to help him however we can.”
Tip Out To Help is a program developed by the B.C. Hospitality Foundation to help members of the hospitality industry who are facing financial difficulty due to medical costs. If BrewHouse staff raise $1,000 between Thanksgiving and Halloween, the B.C. Hospitality Foundation has agreed to match that amount and donate it to Hickman. In addition to this commitment, the Foundation also presented a $4,000 cheque to Hickman in September.
“The B.C. Hospitality Foundation is an important charity that raises funds and awareness for those working in the hospitality community,” explained Alan Sacks, Executive Director for the B.C. Hospitality Foundation. “The BrewHouse already came to us just over a year ago saying they have an employee who has fallen on hard times and is requesting help. We reviewed Jim’s application and decided to donate $4,000, which will go towards his medical expenses.”
If anyone is interested in donating to Hickman’s Tip Out To Help fund, they are encouraged to drop by the BrewHouse.
