Participants in the Southern Ontario Amazing Race (SOAR) will compete in challenges that test their mental and physical strengths from June 6 to 8 at yet-to-be-disclosed locations.
The first part of the race has already begun.
The 21 teams of two – four of which are based in Wellington County – are actively trying to fundraise as much as they can for The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, and for tokens to help them throughout the race.
Now in its 11th year, SOAR has raised over $475,000 in total, with $144,000 in 2013 alone. Last year, the top team raised $19,140.
During the event, teams of two travel across southern Ontario to find pit stops and clues which they must decipher in order to figure out where they need to go next.
“At the end of the day, the teams are racing towards a voucher of $5,000 to travel anywhere in the world,” said Scott Hammond, the race’s director of Communications.
Balnar Management Ltd., who sponsored last year’s grand prize, has confirmed that they will once again be the sponsors for the 2014 grand prize.
Last year, the winning team chose to go to China.
In 2013, SOAR had five returning teams. A rule is now in place that teams can only return to the race three years in a row to make it fair for those who have not yet been able to participate.
There are 16 directors who create the challenges.
“It’s really been increasing over the years,” said Hammond.
Throughout the race, participants will need to find their own transportation to the locations, making hitchhiking their only option at times.
Hammond told the Advertiser that in the past, there has been a lot of generous support from the public. Motorists will stop and pick up the racers, and even offer to take them further in the race.
“There are a lot of generous people out there who get involved,” Hammond said. “It’s graciously appreciated.”
First time competitors Tim Anderson and Kylie Van Horne of Elora are busy fundraising with only a month left until race time, and are looking forward to the June event.
Van Horne, a self-proclaimed “urban farmer”, dog-walker and landscaper, and Anderson, a renovator and construction contractor, both have occupations that require daily instances of problem-solving and working together. The couple believes this natural ingenuity will give them an edge over their opponents.
“We do a lot of things together, like (renovations) and that always takes a lot of decision-making and prioritizing,” Van Horne says.
Although the couple has only lived in Elora for three years, they are well known in the community, with regular visitors to their property hoping to pick up some fresh vegetables, or just see some of the 38 chickens and ducks that call the place home.
“We were just kind of here (in Elora) randomly one weekend, and we just really liked it, and the people were really friendly … I’m glad we’re here and not in the city,” Van Horne said.
“It’s a wicked community to be doing (the race) in, people are so supportive.”
What Van Horne now calls her “urban farm” has grown in the last year to include plots on other properties around Elora, where members of the community let her use their yards in exchange for veggies.
“I started taking orders last year for veggies, and delivering them … I just send out a list every week of what I have, and people let me know what they want.”
As for the ducks and the chickens, “They’re for eggs… and entertainment!” Van Horne laughs.
“We lose some time in the day just keeping an eye on them,” Anderson adds.
“We’ve always had gardens, and this was just sort of a natural extension. We just kept wanting to make it bigger, and more of a livelihood.”
As for the amazing race, Van Horne is just looking forward to the chance to try something new and meet new people.
“I imagine there’s a solid gang of folks doing it,” she said.
Anderson agrees. “It’s not for a million dollars or anything,” he says. “People are doing it for fun and for a cause, so it will be light-hearted.”
The teammates started their fundraising campaign over Easter, by hosting a petting zoo on their property.
“We had it after the Easter Egg Hunt (in Bissell Park),” Anderson told the Advertiser.
“We had hundreds of people come through here. The yard was full for a good solid hour. We borrowed some goats and ducklings, and chicks … it was free and people could donate.”
Anderson and Van Horne will be holding two more fundraisers before the race in June. On May 17 they are having a “Curb Your Clutter” garage sale from 8am to 1pm, at their place on 43 Mill Street. Those wishing to participate can donate items, or secure their own table for $20.
Then on May 24, supporters can come out to a “Jumble-Aya” dance and fun night at the Elora Curling Club. Participants are encouraged to dress-up, as there will be prizes for best dressed (silly or formal).
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and can be purchased from a number of local businesses in downtown Elora. The evening will include a jumble-aya catapult, live auction, silent auction and dance.
Other local competitors
There are three other county teams taking part in the Southern Ontario Amazing Race: Heather Bishop of Fergus and Kirk Burnett of Elora; Chris Williston of Guelph-Eramosa Township and Dave Kelly of Guelph; and Jake Drexler of Elora and Paul Harrington of Rockwood.
Bishop and Burnett are hosting a fundraising garage sale for the race on May 10 at 720 Denny Gate in Fergus from 8am to 2pm. They will also be having a barbecue at Zehrs in Fergus during lunch hour on May 24.
