THUNDER BAY - There is a saying that what happens at the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic stays at the Hope Classic. While those secrets remain with the women who participate, what is accomplished at the annual fundraiser is not only shared with the community, it is continuing to change the lives of women across the region.
The 22nd Annual Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic wrapped up on Sunday and this year $118,500 was raised in the fight against breast cancer, bringing the 22 year total to $3.1 million.
“The fact that we raised more than $100,000, we are more than happy,” said Sue Childs, chair of the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic.
There were 48 teams registered this year and all curlers pay a $75 entry fee and raised a minimum $100 in pledges. All the money raised goes toward breast cancer research and the Linda Buchan Centre, which Childs said has been transformed with the help of the women who participate and pledge money during the Hope Classic.
“The staff has increased, the machinery has increased, everything has been improved since we’ve been involved with it,” she said. “The women in the Hope, it’s all about friendships, camaraderie, having fun, and at the same time raising money.”
Childs alone raised more than $14,000 this year by sending out letters and emails to collect pledges and she said she was very pleased to have contributed so much because cancer is something that affects everybody.
“Whether it’s a family member, a relative, a coworker, a friend, and for us to raise money to have better care here in Thunder Bay, because all of the money raised here, stays here, and that is what this is all about,” she said.
The Hope Classic began in 1997 and was started by Linda Buchan and Barb Crooks to raise money for a breast cancer support group. In it’s first year alone, it raised more than $39,000, shattering the goal of $5,000 and it continues to grow every year.
In 2002, Linda lost her battle to cancer and the Linda Buchan Centre is named in her honour. Childs said Linda is still a big part of the Hope Classic, inspiring the women, and encouraging them to keep fighting.
“Linda is up there looking down on us and saying: you go girls,” Childs said. “She was a very caring and compassionate woman and she would be absolutely thrilled with what we are doing.”
