THUNDER BAY — The Sled for Eternity Thunder Bay Ride fundraiser was held on Saturday to raise funds to support long-term programs at Thunder Bay Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada.
The ride saw area snowmobilers out on the trails in support of programs like Adult & Teens Challenge’s 14-bed men’s home and 10-bed women’s centre in Thunder Bay which hope to help men and women find freedom from addictions.
“This is the very important fundraiser,” said Terrence McKenzie, development director Thunder Bay Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada.
“It's our first one of the year, usually early in the year following Christmas is when donations aren't the highest and so it just really helps us kind of start the year off strong and be able to support our programs.”
The ride started at the Legion in Kakabeka Falls and made its way to the first check point at the Petrol Canada station in Fantasy Falls, where riders could fill out a ballot for a prize, riders then made their way to Shebandowan Community Centre for lunch before moving on to the second checkpoint at Timberland Motel & Gas before heading back to the Kakabeka Legion for dinner.
The event raised over $60,000 for the organization but Dawn Berry, community ministry manager with Thunder Bay Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada, says the biggest help is the awareness it raised.
“It is huge for us to raise awareness, we get out there in the community, so we're partnering with businesses and folks,” she said.
“But also, this is a chance where we get to meet with them, hear about their loved ones that may be struggling, or the people they know and be able to talk about our community groups, those Ready Now Recovery Groups and getting support out in the community.”
For more information about Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada’s services or to offer support, visit their website.
