WELLINGTON NORTH – The third annual Mayor’s Charity Bonspiel, presented by 88.7 The River, was held on Nov. 7 at the Arthur and Area Curling Club.
The event brought together 48 curlers and raised $10,245 for the new Mount Forest outdoor pool fundraising campaign.
Township community development officer Mike Wilson announced the amount raised during a Dec. 1 council meeting.
“Through the three Mayor’s Charity Bonspiels so far, $22,755 has been raised for local youth groups, programs and initiatives,” Wilson said.
“We hope that the Mount Forest outdoor pool becomes a focal point for youth in Mount Forest for years to come,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
On the ice, Team Coburn Insurance won the late draw and overall bonspiel, while the team skipped by Darren Jones won the early draw.
Lennox expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible.
“The community’s support and generosity have been truly inspiring. This event not only brings us together for a day of fun and friendly competition but also makes a significant impact on the lives of many in our community,” Lennox said.
“Raising $10,245 for the new Mount Forest outdoor pool is a tremendous achievement, and I’m grateful to everyone who participated and supported this event. Together, we’re making a lasting impact that will benefit families and residents for years to come.”
Lennox thanked all the staff who helped organize the bonspiel and said, “I think all that attended had a good time.”
Councillor Sherry Burke, chair of the Mount Forest aquatics ad-hoc advisory committee, echoed Mayor Lennox’s sentiments.
“On behalf of the Mount Forest aquatics ad-hoc advisory committee, I want to sincerely thank Mayor Lennox, and all of the curlers and sponsors of this year’s Mayor’s Charity Bonspiel for your support of the new Mount Forest outdoor pool,” Burke said.
“The success of this year’s Mayor’s Charity Bonspiel demonstrates how much can be achieved when our community comes together. This generous contribution brings us one step closer to making the outdoor pool a reality for residents of all ages.”
The new Mount Forest pool will be located on Princess Street, adjacent to the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex.
The $5.3-million project has a community fundraising goal of $2.5 million.
Once 80 per cent of the fundraising target has been met, next steps in the construction of the new outdoor pool will begin. With this contribution from the Mayor’s Charity Bonspiel, a total of $1,092,595 has been pledged or donated to the project to date.
Mayor’s Charity Bonspiel organizers thank the following sponsors for their support:
– 88.7 The River (presenting sponsor);
– Arthur and Area Curling Club (host);
– Coburn Insurance (lounge sponsor);
– Associated Paving and Materials Ltd. (Beat the Mayor contest sponsor);
– BM Ross and Associates (lunch sponsor);
– Quality Homes (breakfast/coffee sponsor):
– Viking-Cives Inc., Walker Industries, Ontario Bean Growers, Desjardins Insurance, Deryck West, Cover-Ups Arthur and Teeswater Concrete (sheet sponsors); .
– MARCC Apparel (prize sponsor); and
– Triton Engineering, Fallis, McMillan & Ferrier, County of Wellington, Township of Wellington North, Mount Forest aquatics ad-hoc advisory committee, and Wes Sterling and Jessica Wilson-Sterling (silent auction sponsors).
Wilson said the Beat the Mayor contest “proved to be very difficult.”
And he said he’s seen the MARCC Apparel prizes “around quite a bit, so they seem to be a hit.”
