FERGUS – What began as a cancer fundraiser in 2006, has since become a regular fundraising bonspiel for multiple charitable causes – hence the name, Curl for a Cause.
This year’s beneficiary is the Aboyne Rural Hospice facility.
“Last year … the Curl for a Cause team reached out to the Aboyne Rural Hospice team,” said Dr. Clarissa Burke, member of the Aboyne Rural Hospice board.
“They felt that the hospice was an important local cause … so last year was the first year it was a joint event.”
The curling bonspiel will feature 16 teams, 64 curlers in total, and will be hosted at the Fergus Curling Club on March 22 from 8am to 4pm.
Burke told the Advertiser the community can get involved in the fundraiser in many ways.
“We are still looking for the rest of the community to be involved; each of those 64 curlers is asked to raise funds to support the charitable cause,” said Burke.
“Each curler who is participating is asked to raise $100, however … the top fundraising teams … are eligible for some additional prizes at the event.”
The bonspiel will also feature a silent auction, with items provided by businesses and individuals in the community.
All bids for silent auction items must be made online at www.rapid-sell.ca/auctions/detail/bw136553.
The auction will close on March 22 at 1pm for those looking to get some last-minute bids in.
“We welcome community members to come and to check out the curling action, to peruse the silent auction items and if they would like to make a donation towards the event, they are very welcome to,” Said Burke.
Since its inception 17 years ago, the event has raised a total of $555,473 for charities.
“We raised just shy of $50,000 with the event last year,” said Burke.
“Which is absolutely incredible … it’s certainly an event that has touched a lot of people over the years.”
Burke told the Advertiser she looks forward to seeing community members cheer on curlers and she hopes to match or exceed last year’s fundraising total.
For more information on the event or to donate to a curler, visit curlforacause.ca.
