INNISFAIL – For a third straight year, hundreds of curlers came out for the Yellow Bucket Bonspiel.
The event was held at the Innisfail Curling Club Nov. 9 and 10.
Every year, the bonspiel raises money for the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation, in memory of Lindsey More. To date, the foundation has collected about $50,000 since it began three years ago.
“We’ve had people support us every single year. We sold out a couple of weeks early (this year),” said Cassandra Galenzoski, event coordinator.
A total of 28 teams with more than 200 curlers from across Alberta took part in the event, including those from Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Innisfail.
“We have people that have never curled, we have people that curl once a week and we have avid curlers,” said Galenzoski, noting curlers of all ages and skill levels participated. “It really is a fun bonspiel and people are here having a great time for a good cause.
“We’re really fortunate that it’s full every single year. It’s a testament to people supporting the foundation,” she said, adding the goal was to raise $30,000 this year.
“The first year I think we raised about $25,000 and it was the same for last year, so we’re at about $50,000 now,” said Galenzoski, adding that money raised goes back into the community.
“In both years, (money has gone to) mental health programs and awareness and first aid training in schools so it can reach the most amount of kids in this area.”
She noted how Rick and Cindy More, Lindsey’s parents, have been the backbone of the foundation.
“They’ve done great things for mental health in the past three years,” she said. “It’s been a tough three years for them and they really have gone above and beyond, working towards mental health change in our community,” explained Galenzoski.
Galenzoski highlighted the important role the foundation plays today and the continuing need for mental health awareness.
“I think depression, anxiety and mental health concerns are definitely on the rise. There’s a lot of kids (these) days that don’t know where to turn when they’re dealing with things,” she said. “This foundation has brought on the conversation. People are talking about it and are realizing that it’s not such a random thing.”
During a presentation at the bonspiel, Rick More thanked central Albertans for their support over the past three years.
“They’re saying a big thank you to the community for helping them through some tough times as well as supporting the foundation,” said Galenzoski. “The money raised stays local and it really is helping today’s youth.”
For more information visit the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation on Facebook.
