THUNDER BAY -- What happens on the ice is such a small part of the Hope Classic.
While set up as a curling bonspiel, it’s the camaraderie and relationships that are created that makes it a special event.
“You make great friendships here and the teams keep getting bigger and better with their costumes and coming together as one,” committee member Tricia Sampson said.
The 19th edition of the Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic wrapped up late Sunday afternoon, with $142,000 raised for the Northern Cancer Fund. This year’s amount brings the 19 year total to $2.69 million.
The bonspiel honours the memory of founder Linda Buchan, who passed away from breast cancer in 2002.
Money raised by the Hope Classic played a significant role in the creation of the Linda Buchan Centre for Breast Screening and Assessment at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, which has increased breast cancer screening by 400 per cent since it opened in 2006.
“It’s overwhelming to know this many people value the Linda Buchan Centre. It’s amazing how many people come out continually to put the money in,” Sampson said.
“It’s nice to know we don’t have to travel to Southern Ontario and knowing the equipment is here and the fast turnaround is great. It makes it such a worthy cause knowing any of us can be affected and that we’re here to help the people that are affected in our local area.”
Event chair Sue Childs, who spent nearly two decades curling with Buchan, said the Hope Classic provides everyone with an opportunity to stand up against breast cancer, which is something nearly all the participants can relate to.
“I would say every woman in the room has been affected by someone with cancer,” she said.
Childs said the bonspiel also provides a reminder about the importance of regular checkups and the deadly toll the disease can have.
Bringing in new teams only spreads the message even further.
“It’s wonderful we’re getting new teams because every woman needs to be aware that they need to be checked. This brings so much more awareness to them that it can happen to anybody,” Childs said.
“You don’t have to be over 50 to have breast cancer or a problem.”
Jessica Backen made her debut in the event and her team, who all wore bright pink on the ice, was one of the youngest taking part.
With a curling background not required, Backen said it was an ideal opportunity to support a worthy cause.
“We know the money raised stays in our community so that was very important to us,” she said. “We know a lot about the wonderful work they do at the Linda Buchan Centre.”
There were 48 teams and 224 curlers that took part this year with action starting on Friday before winding down with the closing ceremony.
With next year marking the 20th event, Childs said there are big plans.
“Next year is going to be bigger and better. I can’t believe it has lasted 20 years with the enthusiasm and drive that everyone has,” she said.
