FERGUS – With the skirl of bagpipes in the air on March 23, Curl for a Cause in Fergus began its 14th year of raising funds for the local community.
When the event began in 2006 it was known as Curl for a Cure, but in 2012, it switched to Curl for a Cause focusing on helping local charities.
Last year, the event raised $56,303, bringing the 13-year total to $442,458.
The 14th annual event last weekend had raised $51,177 as of March 25, though that total is expected to rise.
Charities supported by this year’s event include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington, Centre Wellington Food Bank, Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, KidsAbility, Portage Ontario and the Fergus Elora District Soccer Special Needs Program.
Curl for a Cause chair Bruce Hawkins said some of 96 curlers at this year’s event were first-timers, while others were enjoying their 14th year.
“Curl for a Cause has grown into quite an enjoyable event,” Hawkins said as he wished participants a fun day.
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton offered congratulations to both organizers and participants.
“This is an awesome event and the six charities being supported this year do amazing work in the community,” said Linton.
Hawkins noted local businesses have been generous in support of the silent and the online auctions.
While participants collect pledges for various charities, the cost to take part is only $10, which includes a t-shirt, and hospitality bag.
“This year, I was looking for curlers on Dec. 15 and they were all signed up by Feb. 1 (21 are returning teams),” said Hawkins.
While delighted to see three new teams, he said the low turnover means participants are having a good time and the event is worthwhile.
“If we have as good a year as last year, we’ll make the half-million dollar mark,” said Hawkins. He stressed the event is certainly not a one-person operation.
“I have a committee of 10 people who work on this. We are always looking for new volunteers,” said Hawkins .
He can be reached at 519-787-0132 or pokadothawk@gmail.com.
