The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A group of snowmobilers roared into Brandon on Saturday having completed a trek across Manitoba that was as much about helping others as it was about winter fun. Journey For Sight, a fundraiser to help the visually impaired, left Flin Flon with a small group of riders last Wednesday morning. Riders throughout Manitoba joined them along their route and by the time they reached Brandon, about 65 riders were on board. "If I told you we didn't have any fun on this, I'd be lying," smiled chairman Todd Rathwell of Dauphin. "And it was for a very worthwhile cause." The riders collected pledges and picked up donations from various Lions clubs, key supporters of the Journey For Sight, along their route. So far, about $33,000 has been banked, but more donations are expected to come in through to June. All of the money will go to the Lions Eye Bank in Brandon, which assists visually-impaired people and aids in research initiatives. "I personally think this fundraiser is so successful because every dime we raise goes directly to the eye bank," commented Rathwell. "All the participants pay their own way." As usual, the response from people along the way was supportive. "Everywhere we went we had an excellent reception," said Rathwell. "People were very generous." Journey for Sight originated in Birtle, Manitoba in 1983. To date, more than $810,000 has been raised. Anyone wishing to donate toward the Journey For Sight may contact any Lions member or send their donation to: Lions Eye Bank of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario Inc. Administrative / Awareness office Misericordia Health Centre Room 105 - 691 Wolseley Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1A2
