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Feature Article January 15

Feature Article January 15, 2003

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Cloyne Snowarama set for January 18, 2003 by Will CybulskiCloyne_Snowarama_2003

For the past several years, weather has played a crucial role in Cloyne's annual Snowarama for Easter Seal Kids. This year is shaping up as yet another teaser, but even with less than ideal amounts of snow on the ground to date, organizer say local trails are being prepped in anticipation for a 9th successful run on Saturday, January 18th next. Co-sponsored by Mazinaw Powerline Snowmobile Club and Napanee Rotarians, the event begins with registration from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Barrie Township Hall here. Fresh coffee at the registration site will be complemented with doughnuts donated by Country Style Donuts of Napanee. From check-in, riders will venture out onto the trails, returning to the Hall for a roast beef dinner at 5 PM. When conditions are right for a "go", the usual 80 kilometer, 4 hour run originates in Cloyne, takes a loop to west of Skootamatta Lake, hooks northeast to the top of Mazinaw Lake, and then returns to base here in the village. Last year's Cloyne Snowarama saw more than $14,000 raised for Easter Seals, with the local initiative placing amongst the top ten fundraisers in the Province. Wayne Brinklow of Bath, who rode in our 2002 event, was also a top-ten Provincial entrant, personally bringing in over $3,700 in pledges. Wayne has been a high flying contributor over the years, with his $3,000 in 2001 Cloyne pledges being nosed out by Allen Brochu of Whitby, who raised the standard with just over $5,000. Sledders are drawn to this area from all across eastern Ontario, and they must enjoy themselves, because each year they keep coming back, bringing more money with them. Eleanor Nowell, who works as Snowarama Co-chair with Karen McCall, said that from the past eight functions, in excess of $73,000 has been brought in for the Easter Seal Society. "All monies raised from this event go to Easter Seals", Nowell stated, "and then part is distributed back to Easter Seal Kids in our area for their special needs." For the most part, it is sledders who solicit pledges, and then come in on the designated date to ride their machines over the set route. But that hasn't precluded others from being "ghost" riders in the past - you can still collect and turn in pledges, even if you are not a regular snowmobiler. If the weather doesn't co-operate, pledge sheets are still turned in, and the amount of money raised is bolstered by an ever-popular euchre tournament that takes place at the Hall from 12:30 PM to 4 PM. The "Euchrama" lets card playing supporters take part, even if they don't care to hit the trails, and children can learn that they too help others by collecting for the cause. Dinner is supplied free to those who bring in over $25 in pledges, and all donations are welcomed. If you cannot attend but are willing to contribute, please make cheques payable to Ontario Easter Seals Snowarama, and mail them to Mazinaw Powerline Snowmobile Club at RR #2, Cloyne, KOH 1KO. Tax receipts are issued for donations over $10. Last year, the Cloyne Snowarama realized $1,200 from a "Silent Auction" table, where prizes had been donated by local businesses and supporters. This year's function will again feature the silent auction, prizes for top pledgers, and some door prizes. Like Heart and Stroke's "Big Bike", Snowarama provides incentive prizes for those who work hard at fund raising; from logo baseball caps at the bottom end, to entry ballots for a southern vacation at the top, depending on the amount of money brought in. So you sign a pledge sheet, and then wonder...where do my support dollars go? The Ontario Easter Seal Society provides financial assistance, summer camp opportunities, research, advocacy, and public and consumer education - all dedicated to helping children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Consider that a manual wheelchair can cost $1,600 to $5,000, and a power wheelchair can run anywhere from $6,000 to $25,000. A home ramp (for which there is no government assistance) is in the neighbourhood of $2,000 to $8,000, van lifts can range up to $25,000, and 10 days at a specially adapted Easter Seal's Camp requires $1,300. It is then easy to see why each and every one of those pledge dollars make such a HUGE difference in the life of a young person, particularly one who lives in our own community! The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Mazinaw Powerline Snowmobile Club, Napanee Rotarians, and Ontario Easter Seal Society thank all those who uphold this annual venture. For further information, or to make a pledge, please call 613-336-2547 (days) or 336-8226 (evenings), fax 336-0224, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. "Your support in the past has been very much appreciated", says Eleanor Nowell, "and YOU have helped to make this event the success that it is. We hope everyone has been having a good year, and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday, January 18th for the 9th annual Snowarama Ride for Easter Seal Kids."

With the participation of the Government of Canada