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.
Last year a 17-year-old from Flin Flon set out to raise money in honour of his cousin, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. After putting a walk together, Michael Kluba was able to raise $4,050 for the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba. With the money and knowledge in the bank from last year, the now 18-year-old is back on track and looking to raise some more funds and awareness. KlubaÕs cousin Ryan Nelson, also 18, is one of a number of people in the area who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. And the idea came to Kluba to raise a few dollars for the association that helps so many. Last yearÕs walk, which was the first to be held in Manitoba for Cerebral Palsy, had 26 Flin Flonners trekking around town with signs and Nelson leading the pack. Saturday, September 20, participants will be out on the walk again. Kluba says he isnÕt interested in how many people come, just that there are people there. ÒWe had 26 last year, and IÕm sort of thinking we wonÕt (have that many this year), but we might,Ó says Kluba. ÒI donÕt really care about numbers, any amount helps.Ó Though the number might not be KlubaÕs first priority, raising funds sure is. ÒI donÕt have a set amount,Ó says the recent Hapnot Collegiate graduate, Òbut I hope to raise some. Any amount will be good to send to them (the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba).Ó As Kluba and his family get ready for the second walk, Laura Schnellert, with the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba, hopes to attend the walk. ÒMichael had contacted us and had this idea to help his cousin, Ryan. He wanted to do some fundraising,Ó says Schnellert. ÒAnd he was thinking about doing a walk. And we were open to that.Ó And so it began. Kluba began the first walk for Cerebral Palsy in the province, but not the first fundraiser. An annual bike race fundraiser is put on each year in Winnipeg, and now in Brandon as well. With this idea in mind, Schnellert, who is the only employee at the office in Winnipeg, asked Kluba what he envisioned. ÒHe described what could be done in Flin Flon,Ó she says, Òand we were just thrilled.Ó With just over $4,000 heading their way, the Program and Membership Director was thrilled at the amount, but surprised. ÒI think Michael would have been pleased with $1,000... but we werenÕt excepting that number for the first year,Ó she says. Residents of the community have had a year to rest their feet for the walk, which starts in the Hapnot Collegiate parking lot and heads down to the Kinsmen Park and then up Third Ave. Once at the top, walkers will make their way to the fire hall and past the Co-op, down Sipple Hill and back to the parking lot at Hapnot. ÒWe are very appreciative of Michael and his familyÕs fundraising and I am looking forward to going up and meeting everyone,Ó noted Schnellert.
