BISNO racers revving for fundraiser

Racing enthusiasts are gathering in the pits, in ready anticipation of the fourth annual BISNO Virtual Sprint Car Invitational.

The fundraiser pits teams of virtual racers against each other, helping to raise money in support of Brain Injury Support of Northern Ontario as they race around the track.

"The last three years have raised over $20,000," said Jessie Bielski, BISNO’s resource director. "The money has been going to .... support independent living programs. We’ve been using the money to make renovations to the units that improve the quality of life of people, making access easier for bathrooms and kitchens and things like that."

Bielski said BISNO serves more than 200 people in Northwestern Ontario, most of whom won’t stand out in a crowd.

"It’s sort of the walking wounded," she said. "People can have a brain injury. They may not have physical limitations, however cognitively they could have many. Memory tends to be one of the many."

Scott Zimmer, who manages the Arthur Street Boston Pizza, said he’s a race-car enthusiast who’s taken part in the event all four years it’s been held.

He said he got involved for personal reasons.

"One of the girls who is on my team, her husband’s dad was actually a recipient of BISNO’s services. So really it hit home to her so she’s really supporting us as well. Somebody close to home has been touched by it," said Zimmer, who last year issued a $100 challenge to friend Dan Dawson, a bet that’s continued on into 2010.

Greg Wakewich owns the machines, which can be found year-round at the Sports Dome. It was an easy decision to get involved, he said.

"I never realized how many people do use (BISNO) and what it’s used for," Wakewhich said. "It’s rally opened my eyes. You hear of the other big charities and stuff, (but this one goes unnoticed.)"

Teams of five are asked to collect a minimum of $500 in pledges to participate in the event, slated for the Sports Dome on April 17.

"Last year we had 35 drivers, and they managed to get over $9,000 in pledges. That was amazing. There are prizes for racing, there are top teams and top drivers," Bielski said.

Registration forms are available at BISNO’s regional office at 436 Balmoral Street.