Pipestone Flyer
“It was truly amazing for us to watch the pledge dollars go up over the past few weeks,” exclaimed Debbie Pearson, Fund and Communications Coordinator, Boys and Girls Club, Wetaskiwin. The goal of the 2014 Race for Kids fundraiser was to surpass the $25,000 that was raised during the 2013 event. That goal was achieved. As of June 1st, the www.raceforkids.ca website revealed an impressive total of $32,002 and climbing.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2012 event that took place across Canada, the urban, adult team adventure embraced the carefree days of being a child again. Adult corporate, sport, family and other participating teams experienced a great bonding experience as they challenged their skills while raising funds so all boys and girls can have the same opportunity.
“The day was a huge success”, describes Pearson, “largely due to the 22 teams that registered as well as the all friends, relatives and others, including many businesses that sponsored participating team members. We are extremely pleased and over-joyed with the amount raised.” Many of the teams were back for a 2nd or 3rd attempt to acquire the bragging rights to winning either of the 2 streams; the more competitive stream in the Emerald category, or the more ‘I can do this’ stream in the Sapphire category. Regardless, all were out to have fun and support local children and youth.
Participants in the Race understand the benefits the fundraiser provides for local youth but they also like to participate in the event because it is fun. Pearson explains, “The money that is raised from the Race goes to support the many programs we provide for local children and youth in our community. Many of the teams were back now for the 3rd year in a row so the event is getting bigger and better each year. They must be having fun. The tag line for the event this year was, ‘Grown-Ups Play, Kids Win,’ and that seems to sum it up.”
Individuals were eligible for cash prize incentives in both streams. Winner of the WestJet Voucher to any WestJet destination was Cory Cooper by contributing a whopping $2240 to the fundraiser. A close runner-up was Sherry Morison-Littlechild with $2200 and 9 other individuals raised over $1,000. Ten teams topped $1000.
The Race also benefited other youth in the community. “At the Canadian Tire Checkpoint participants had to run around and sell JumpStart balls to people in store and on the street. The Race for Kids teams raised $940 toward the community JumpStart program to help support kids in our community that cannot afford such things as registration fees for organized supports.”
For more information on Race for Kids go to www.raceforkids.ca and pick ‘Wetaskiwin.’ If you require more information please contact Debbie Pearson, Fund and Communications Coordinator, at 780-352-4643 extension 32.
The Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin provides a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. The Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin was established in 1988 as a society as a much-needed community based service for children, youth and families in the City of Wetaskiwin and area.