About Us

Our Story

Being part of Axani Bros Trucking – a family owned business of the Cold Lake area, for decades we have been of service to our community. After tragedy struck, we wanted to ensure that the memory of our daughter lived on so we created this foundation as a non- profit organization to deliver help within the community.

Having a Truck and Car Show was the perfect way to pay tribute in keeping with the interests of our daughter and at the same time keeping our connection to her alive with all the memories past and present we share with those who knew her. This community shares her spirit.

Katlyn, Alysha, Lolonda and Dean Axani

Our non – profit organization donates all proceeds to charity. The first annual Alysha Axani Memorial Truck and Car Show Foundation recipient was Lakeland Humane Society of Cold Lake, Alberta

Meet the Foundation Members

Lolonda McMillan-Axani,
Foundation President

I have lived in Cold Lake since 1983 and married my high school sweetheart, Dean. I am a mother that was blessed with 2 wonderfully amazing children, my son, Katlyn (now 32) and daughter, Alysha (forever 22) – whom we lost tragically in a motorcycle accident on July 11, 2014.
My husband Dean and his brother Dale own a well known trucking company est. in 1997, where I was employed as a bookkeeper until we lost Alysha. After the tragedy and once some time had passed I realized I needed something to focus on, and with that I found my new passion and started this foundation to carry on Alysha’s legacy of the type of person she was and give back to the community in her honor.
Never take anything or anyone for granted.
Enjoy every minute you can with the people you love.

Roxanne Ayotte,
Foundation Vice President

Hello! My Name is Roxanne Ayotte. I have always cared so much for people, animals and our local community. Now that I found a job where I can be home every night instead of working in camp, I have been helping people with their mission to help others, even if it is just little things like baking for an event that Is donating to cancer.
When I first met my boyfriend Robert, my heart hurt so much for him and Alysha’s family so I had asked if I could help Lu and the family in any way that I could. Lu had started a non profit organization that donated to a local charity each year.
I knew right away that I had to be a part of this amazing cause.
Last year proceeds went to the local humane society and I couldn’t of been happier seeing how many local businesses and individuals helped out and donated.
I am now the Vice President of this foundation and look forward to our 2nd Annual Truck and Car Show this year and all the annual ones to come in the future.
This is a strong local non profit organization that I truly believe will help our local community each year.

Diane Brown,
Foundation Chairperson

Hi, my name is Diane Brown. I first moved to Cold Lake in 1989 and never regretted my decision. I truly love it here. I am a mom of one beautiful daughter who has  blessed me with 3 amazing Grandchildren. I started dating Alysha’s Uncle Dale in 2010 and became fast friends with Alysha’s mom Lu, being that Alysha was so close to her mom I spent a lot of time with them both. When Lu approached me on this idea of the Alysha Axani Memorial Foundation I thought it was an excellent idea. Alysha was a giver and a big hearted person so this was just a perfect passion for me. This would have been right up her alley to give back to her community.

Christie Parkinson-Axani,
Foundation Treasurer

Hi, my name is Christie Parkinson-Axani. I was born and raised and am still living in Cold Lake. Family means the world to me. I currently work for my uncles’ amazing picker {crane truck} company and have never been so close to them as I am now.
I was privileged enough to watch Alysha Axani grow up to be the most beautiful, inspirational, kind-hearted, independent, selfless and free spirited young lady; and if I could be half the lady she was that would be my greatest accomplishment. So when I was approached to become a member of the Alysha Axani Memorial Foundation, it was a no-brainer – to keep her legacy alive the best way I know how!

Nicky Burge,
Foundation Secretary

Hi! I’m Nicky Burge and I live in beautiful Cold Lake with my wonderful husband and two compassionate children. We love camping and finding time to rejuvenate as a family in the great outdoors. I love discovering new local stores and experiences and I am always up for a delicious meal surrounded by friends and family. This Foundation is allowing me to help our community rally around an important cause and most importantly I’m honoring the legacy of someone I love.

Katlyn Axani,
Foundation Member

Barb Gauthier,
Foundation Member

Hi, I’m Barb Gauthier. My son and I moved to Cold Lake in 2000, where I became a step mom to 2 beautiful little girls.  All 3 of my kids went to school with Alysha.  My son, Robert and Alysha eventually ended up together as a happy, young, vibrant couple with their entire futures ahead of them.
Losing Alysha so suddenly rocked so many worlds. When I heard what Dean & Lu were doing with the foundation, I thought it was a beautiful way to keep Alysha’s loving, giving nature alive.   As a retired Canadian military member of 14 years, I have a passion for helping and supporting my country and community, so with me having this personal connection, joining this amazing foundation just made sense.