The Bobcaygeon Curling Club has raised a sweeping $18,267 for Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes (Community Care CKL) through hosting a recent charity bonspiel.
The “Bobcaygeon Cares” bonspiel, which brought together curling club members and businesses within Kawartha Lakes for fundraising and friendly competition, drew 96 curlers to take part in events on Thursday, February 20 and Saturday, February 22 in support of Community Care CKL.
The funds raised are crucial for supporting the programs the non-profit organization delivers to residents in need, which range from transportation to nutrition. Given the current times, it’s needed more than ever, according to Community Care CKL CEO Ryan Alexander.
“The need for services continues to be high and we expect it only to expand as our community grows,” Alexander told kawarthaNOW. “The rising cost of living, along with the ongoing challenges many in our community face, has contributed to a high need for support, particularly in areas such as food and nutrition services, transportation, and hospice care.”
Alexander said donations like the contribution from the Bobcaygeon Curling Club “play a pivotal role in allowing us to continue to meet these needs. Every dollar raised provides direct support for the services we offer, ensuring that we can provide the right care to the right people at the right time.”
This particular donation will help fund programs that support the most vulnerable members of the community, whether it’s through providing meals to seniors, offering transportation for medical appointments, or assisting with end-of-life care and grief support.
The money also helps ensure clients can stay connected to the volunteer-led services on which they depend, Alexander added.
The Bobcaygeon Curling Club has been hosting its charity bonspiel for many years and has seen an increase in both the number of participants and the funds generated for Community Care CKL. The event has become “a much-anticipated tradition, bringing together members of the club, local businesses, and residents in a spirit of giving,” noted a press release.
“We are proud to be part of such a supportive and generous community,” said Barb Hetherington, a member of the Bobcaygeon Curling Club and this year’s chairperson of the charity bonspiel. “It’s incredible to see how much we’ve been able to raise this year, and we’re excited to continue this tradition in the future.”
In addition to competitive curling, the charity bonspiel featured auction items and prizes provided by local sponsors and community donors. Local businesses and volunteers played a key role in ensuring the event ran smoothly to raise as much as possible for Community Care CKL, the hosts noted.
“The charity bonspiel is an extra special curling event,” said Joanne Waite, president of the Bobcaygeon Curling Club, in a statement. “Curling is a fun and inclusive sport, and being able to use our event to raise money for such a worthwhile cause makes it all the more meaningful.”
The partnership between the Bobcaygeon Curling Club and Community Care CKL continues to flourish and both organizations are looking forward to future collaborations that will further benefit the community, a media release noted.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of the Bobcaygeon Curling Club and all the donors who contribute to our mission,” Alexander told kawarthaNOW. “Their generosity allows us to continue strengthening our services and expanding our reach to help even more individuals and families who need our help.”
Community Care CKL offers more than 40 programs and services that are designed to build healthy communities through care and support. It provides food and nutrition programs, senior and caregiver support, wellness programs, health and dental services, hospice services, transportation services, and more. The organization has more than 350 active volunteers who deliver these programs and services for clients in Kawartha Lakes.
The Bobcaygeon Curling Club was formed in 1884. It offers curling leagues, social events, and opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the sport. The club strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for seasoned curlers and beginners alike.
