THUNDER BAY – Volunteers found themselves stranded at the Thunder Bay main lighthouse on Wednesday, with collecting donations as their only way back to shore.
The Great Lighthouse Rescue, a fundraiser for the United Way of Thunder Bay, stranded 22 teams until they surpassed their goals and were able to be rescued by the navy.
“It's a pretty awesome community-wide event that ultimately benefits vital services and programs that are supported by the United Way of Thunder Bay,” said Albert Brulé, chief executive officer of the United Way of Thunder Bay.
With the Great Lighthouse Rescue being in its third year, Brulé said each year more teams participate and more money is raised.
“This year I think will be no exception, and we'd love to see it continue to grow.
“It used to just be the agencies going out, but now businesses can put in teams, other community groups can put in teams. We'd love to have school groups put in a team. For next year, I think we'll be really striving to make it the biggest ever,” he said.
The fundraising goal this year was set at $50,000 and on top of that, matching challenges have been set up.
“We have a matching challenge from our honorary commander Cliff Friesen of $25,000. Donations will be matched up to $25,000 and another business has stepped up and put in a $5,000 match,” Brulé said.
Funds raised this year will support community partners of the United Way such as the Regional Food Distribution Association, Our Kids Count and Community Clothing Assistance.
“Pretty much all of the traditional United Way community partners are involved, but as I mentioned, we opened it up to some other community groups.”
Brulé said the United Way likes to keep the community engaged, and see firsthand where the funds are going.
“It's not something that anyone else is doing and kind of gives us that opportunity to provide a unique experience and of course meet the needs of so many individuals, families, children, youth and seniors that benefit from United Way supported services.”
Newswatch found Kevin Main stranded at the lighthouse while fundraising for the DEK Foundation.
“The ultimate goal is to build a recovery home or purchase a recovery home for the women that have been either abused, sexually trafficked, (or in) addiction," he said. “I'm doing my best to raise money and I'm out here making phone calls.”
Main said his friend and fellow volunteer on Wednesday will be celebrating three years in recovery, and she is giving back to the DEK Foundation who has helped her.
Over-All Electric is also matching donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000, Main said.
“If everybody would just help one person, that person gets well and passes on, helps another person, and eventually everybody will be fed, clothed, and housed,” Main said.
Donations are being accepted until the end of the weekend. Visit the United Way’s website for information on donations.
