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McGinn Big Assist raises $50,000 for 10 local charities

by Joanne Shuttleworth

Updated August 26, 2020

McGinn Big Assist raises $50,000 for 10 local charities — Big goals - The McGinn Brothers Big Assist event on Aug. 21 included a number of simultaneous events in Fergus, such a car wash, a bottle drive hosted by the Fergus Optimists at the Fergus Legion, an online auction hosted by Steve Parr Auctions, many local businesses offering a portion of sales that day and the Ron Wilkin Jewellers online video game tournament. The Big Assist organizing committee included, from left: Jamie McGinn, Deb Halls, Allan Boynton, Linda Cheyne, Abby Faris, Caitlyn Cheyne and Tye McGinn. Photo by Kelly Waterhouse

FERGUS - It’s hard to say what is the most remarkable thing about the McGinn Brothers Big Assist event last weekend - that it raised $50,000, or that it happened at all.

Organizer Allan Boynton is amazed on both counts.

“This is an odd year,” he said in a phone interview on Aug. 24, a few days after the McGinn brothers hosted the McGinn Big Assist in Fergus on Aug. 21.

Months ago, the McGinn Brothers Big Game ball hockey tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic.

But the famous hockey brothers - Jamie, Tye and Brock - came to Fergus, spoke on the radio and did a little physically-distanced schmoozing with fans.

On-air - The Grand 101.1 FM hosted a live radiothon for the McGinn Brothers Big Assist on Aug. 21 in the parking lot of Ecclestone Financial. From left: morning show host Dave Schneider shares the show with co-host Neil Beaumont (Boomer). Photo by Kelly Waterhouse

“We really wanted to put on the event,” Boynton said, “even just to keep it going.

“The fact that we raised so much money is testament to our volunteers, our sponsors and the individuals and community groups that supported us.”

Their pet charity is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington, but this year they decided to divide the funds among 10 organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington, Canadian Mental Health Association - Centre Wellington, Centre Wellington Food Bank, Community Resource Centre, Elora Legion, Fergus Legion, KidsAbility Centre Wellington, Fergus Lions Club, Rotary Club of Fergus Elora, and Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.

Each will receive $5,000.

“Next year we hope to bring the Big Game back. It has become a staple in the community,” Boynton said.

“But this year was pretty great too. Everyone is having a tough year.”