THUNDER BAY - For five years, former Thunder Bay Fire Rescue firefighter Robert Gashinski took to the trails on his snowmobile to take in the beautiful Northwestern Ontario scenery and raise money to help those battling life-controlling addictions.
After his passing last July, his family are now riding in his memory and continuing to help others just like he did for so many years.
“We are doing it in memory of our uncle who passed away last year,” said Robert’s niece, Selena Hayes. “We were not able to finish it last year because my mom and I got into an accident. My goal is to finish the ride in memory of him, carrying the torch for him.”
Hayes was just one of more than 130 riders participating in the 6th Annual Sled for Eternity ride on Saturday in support of Adult and Teen Challenge.
Riders travelled more than 200 kilometres along Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trails to Shabaqua and Shebandowan.
Robby Ahuja, director for Northwestern Ontario Adult and Teen Challenge, said the annual ride is an important fundraiser for the organization.
“Last year we raised more than $60,000 and we’ve raised more than $300,000 in last six years,” he said.
This year was one of the most successful rides for Thunder Bay, with more than $96,000 raised through registrations and sponsorships. Riders were also treated to a free lunch and dinner and two snowmobiles were up for grabs as a top fundraising prize and a draw prize.
“We try to give back whenever we can to support the riders who are supporting us to help us put hope within reach of people struggling with addictions,” Ahuja said.
Hayes and her family raised more than $4,100 this year and Selena said she knows her Uncle Robert would be very happy with everything they’ve done to help others in need.
“He would just be happy, laughing lots, smiling,” she said. “He was always happy. He never had a frown on his face.”
“It feels really good to support people overcoming addictions because I’m pretty sure it is hard to do it yourself,” Hayes added. “And it looks like there are quite a few people out here supporting the cause, so that’s really good.”
Galen Cushway, who has participated in the Sled for Eternity ride for the last four years, said the ride mixes two great things.
“We love ski-dooing and it is raising money for a good cause,” he said. “It really helps out when you see people who are in need and they are willing to take the help. It’s great.”
“We did it before and it was -33 C the day of the ride,” he continued. “But luckily the cold broke and it will make for a good ride.”
Everyone out on the trail had a special reason to be there, whether it was riding in memory of someone lost, or having overcome addiction. And that is what makes the ride special, Ahuja said.
“Teen challenge is a service for all of us,” he added. “All of us know someone who is struggling or have known someone who has struggled with a life-controlling addiction. That’s what we are here to help. As a community we all band together so we can help these people overcome their life controlling obstacles.”
