Local restaurant organizing fundraiser for RCMP officer diagnosed with cancer

A local burger joint is holding a fundraiser on Sunday to support a Manitoba RCMP officer who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Earlier this week, St. James Burger & Chip Co. took to Instagram to announce an event to be held this weekend to support RCMP officer Ken Friesen.

"One of our close friends, neighbours and supporters Officer Ken Friesen has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer," St. James Burger & Chip Co. shared online.

"Completely by surprise, his life has been turned upside down, with not much time for the family to adjust."

View this post on Instagram

One of our close friends, neighbours and supporters Officer Ken Friesen has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. Completely by surprise, his life has been turned upside down, with not much time for the family to adjust. We are holding a fundraiser day on Sunday October 4th. A dollar from each burger sold will be donated to the family. We work closely with the good people from @neveralonefnd to put these fundraisers together for members of our community. Ken is an outstanding member of the RCMP, an amazing community member, husband, father and grandfather. And him and his family are always promoting us which we can't be thankful enough for. Ken being an officer makes the world a far better place. We need more like him! Calling all first responders and uniforms, please come out and support and even if you don't want a burger feel free to donate. If anyone would like to contact us to support in a unique way, please inbox us on Facebook! Let's get together to show some love! Save the date Sunday October 4th! We are open 12pm-9pm. @rcmp_mb_grc @rcmpgrcpolice @wpgpoliceofficial @wpgpolicepb @680cjob @themainingredient @halanderson34 @aceburpee @global_winnipeg @jonreyes204 @winnipegmfrc @royalcanadianlegion

A post shared by St. James Burger & Chip Co. (@stjamesburger) on Sep 29, 2020 at 6:02pm PDT

A dollar from each burger sold on Sunday, Oct. 4 will go to Friesen's family.

The restaurant is working with the Never Alone Foundation to help put the fundraiser together.

"Ken is an outstanding member of the RCMP, an amazing community member, husband, father and grandfather. And him and his family are always promoting us which we can't be thankful enough for. Ken being an officer makes the world a far better place. We need more like him!," the restaurant says.

St. James Burger has also put a call out to all first responders and uniforms. The burger stand will be open Oct. 4 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Please come out and support and even if you don't want a burger, feel free to donate."