Fundraising is underway to help the family of Lorilyn Mandoza, starting with a bottle drive on Saturday, and a charity elite basketball tournament on Sunday morning.

Bryan Verdillo, of Cochrane 3x3 and one of the organizers of the basketball tournament, explains Lori is facing her second surgery for a brain tumour and her husband Chris has had no choice but to stop working in order to take care of his wife and two children.

"So now they are relying on the funds from the government, but it's not enough," says Verdillo.

The Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA) has organized an early morning Saturday bottle drive. Pickup will be available from 7 to 10 a.m., and people can also drop them off at a number of locations. You can find a list of contacts on the FCACA Facebook page here.

Cochrane 3x3 and Sunday Hoops have teamed up to host the basketball tournament featuring elite players from across the region. Verdillo says there was an immediate outpouring of support when he announced the tournament late Jan. 9.

"My inbox is so full of messages right now, and they keep on coming," he says. "The e-transfers keep on coming to me, and to Mike (Bautista) as well. The support has been overwhelming."

He says they've also received some in-kind donations they'll be use as prizes for special contests.

"For $5 you can register in the half court shootout for a chance to win a pair of Jordans, some jerseys, some clothing, and sports apparel."

The tournament runs from 7 to 9 a.m. in the gymnasium of the SLS Centre. Those unable to attend the game but wanting to make a cash or in-kind donation can contact Verdillo here.

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