LITTLE CURRENT—The Manitoulin Snowdusters were faced with a challenging year due to the unseasonable weather, including lack of snow this year, but remained nonetheless undaunted when it came to their fundraising activities.
Attendees at the Saturday, April 6 dinner held at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre discovered the good news.
“We had our wind up dinner for this year’s Poker Chip Run in Memory of Todd Corbiere ‘TC’,” said organizer Chris Laidley. “Although our sales were low, our donations saved us big time.”
Unfortunately, a planned dance event had to be cancelled as the numbers simply were not there. Mr. Laidley pointed out that weather and the current economic climate probably played a part in people staying closer to home this year.
Mr. Laidley noted the fact that both the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre and John Roy of Island Music Showcase did not demand a cancellation fee, helping to make the fundraising more of a success.
“For everyone who was a stop on this year’s Poker Chip Run, thank you for taking part in being a stop,” continued Mr. Laidley. “To everyone who has made a donation, a very big thank you. Your support is appreciated more than you can imagine.”
Mr. Laidley noted that he would be picking up the poker run packages from the stops “over the next few weeks,” enabling the club to keep everything in one place.
“For our Killarney stops, I will be a little longer getting down to pick up the packages (have to wait until I get the boat in the water now),” he laughed. “Let’s all hope for some snow for next year.”
The Snowdusters were still able to raise $6,074.80 before expenses and thanks to those funds, the club will be able to provide the Todd Corbiere Bursary at Manitoulin Secondary School to assist students that choose to continue their education in the trades.
The late Mr. Corbiere was a popular Island mechanic and outdoorsman noted for always being there for those who found themselves in a transportation bind. He succumbed to cancer in 2022 after several years of valiant battle in which he refused to be daunted.
This year’s Poker Chip Run winners were Martha Murray with 2,120 points, enough to grab the $1,215.90 top prize, followed by Rob Breathat with 2,040 points winning the $431.75 second place prize and Brooke Addison with 2,020 points to secure $15.90 and third prize.
Non-monetary prizes such as a half-day fishing trip, Manitoulin Snowdusters sweater, snowmobile oil, beanie, water bottles, keychains and gift certificates were awarded down to 14th place.
In kind donations were made by The Manitoulin Expositor, Laidley Stationery and Office Furniture, Manitoulin Broadcasting (CFRM) and prizes were provided by Wheels to Water of Sheguiandah, Swing Bridge Charters, McDougall Energy and the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre.
