THUNDER BAY – Twenty-three years ago, Sue Childs had no idea just how much of an impact the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic would have on local cancer research.
Childs, who helped found the annual curling bonspiel with long-time friend and teammate Linda Buchan, said they hoped to raise $5,000 that first year.
They wound up with $39,000 and the rest is history.
Childs said they don’t have a particular goal in mind for 2019, but that’s par for the fundraising course, she said.
“There are 230 curlers, so we will make $23,000,” Childs said of the all-female event, which will be held from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10 at the Fort William Curling Club.
“Anything over that is a bonus. I really don’t know what to expect this year. Online pledge giving has been very good. People are catching onto it. At present we’re at $13,717 in online pledge giving.”
Since it’s began, the event has raised a total of $3.2 million dollars, all of which stays in Northwestern Ontario to fund breast cancer research and care.
Glenn Craig, president of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Foundation, said the money makes a huge difference and he can’t thank the volunteer and participants enough.
“What you’ve done for our community, you can’t overestimate it,” Craig said, speaking to volunteers at the event launch earlier this week.
“The Linda Buchan Centre ... has really been outfitted by the contributions you have made.”
Forty-eight teams have signed up to take part in the event, the maximum number of spots available. However, there are still plenty of ways to help out. Sponsoring a participant is the easiest way, but there’s also the auction and the 50/50 raffle, which will be drawn for on Feb. 10 ahead of the closing ceremonies.
Tickets are $5 or three for $10, with a top prize of up to $15,000, and are available at the curling club during the event.
