Local snowmobilers have headed north this weekend in search of snow, with a side order of community spirit, as the Elmira Lions Club hosts its annual Snowfari fundraiser near Dorset.
For the first time, Woolwich Community Services joins the ranks of organizations supported by the event. Funds are also destined for the service club’s dialysis Camp in Dorset, Lions Foundation of Canada dog guides and the Elmira Lions Club.
The decision to include WCS came after the completion of a previous commitment to raise funds for the Dan Snyder Arena.
“The Lions had made a $100,000 commitment to the Woolwich Recreation Facility Foundation, which is the arena. We’ve now completed that commitment that we made to them,” said co-chair of the event Brad Martin.
“This year we decided to bring in Woolwich Community Services because they are also doing a fundraiser; they’re trying to raise money for a new location, so the Lions Club decided that we’re going to join that venue and try and help them out.”
WCS executive director Don Harloff said discussions on a potential move of the organization from its current location on Arthur Street are in progress, though more information may become available in the spring.
“To date, we are developing a plan. A building campaign is currently being developed that we will be bringing to the community in, probably, May,” he said.
Earlier in the year Harloff approached the Lions Club with a request of support for the idea, receiving positive feedback.
He said details are not currently available regarding future plans, as the idea is still in the initial stages of development.
While many of the fundraiser’s annual causes vary from year to year, Lions hope to make their commitment to the WCS an ongoing effort, though the decision has not been made official yet.
Participants in Snowfari raised a minimum of $450 per person and $600 for a couple to participate in the weekend. Last year the weekend of snowmobiling raised more than $25,000, divided between the various causes including funds for Camp Dorset where the snowmobile enthusiasts will be visiting during the trip.
The camp is meant to provide families living with kidney disorders with a place to vacation in the summer months as there is a hospital on site equipped with dialysis machines. This year’s funds will help to cover the cost of some new equipment at the hospital as well as ensure the upkeep of the camp’s cottages, main recreation hall and swimming pool.
Participants in the event are taking to the trails this morning (Saturday) before making a stop at Camp Dorset.
