Participants in the University of Manitoba's Mini-University program were busy recently selling Never Alone Bracelets during their lunches and managed to raise $1,500.
Darel Lepp, Special Interest Coordinator for the University of Manitoba's Children's Programs, says, "Since all of the children know someone who has had cancer, they wanted to fundraise for a foundation where the proceeds stayed in the province."
In another corner of the sports world, the Manitoba Midget Football League held their 2nd Annual Gary Stroppa Bowl on May 27 to raise money. Wal-Mart and Old Dutch Foods sponsored the game and the event raised $3,940 for the Never Alone Foundation.
Brent Arnold, Team Manager of the St. Vital Mustangs and organizer of the 2007 Gary Stroppa Bowl, says, "Gary Stroppa, a coach for the Nomads, would have been proud to see how these young athletes stepped up and gave of themselves. We all worked together and had a great experience."
Summer may be coming to an end, but fundraising in support of the Never Alone Foundation is not.
The foundation is organizing the Never Alone Social to be held Sunday, Sept. 2 at Canad Inns Stadium.
The festivities include live musical performances - including Almost Famous and Echo Park - tons of Kid Zone activities, a motorcycle show and shine, and a Kick to Win Media Challenge to be held at half-time of the televised game. Media will be trying to kick to win a Winnipeg Blue Bomber Superfan Package. Tickets for the social are only $10 and are available at Ticketmaster by calling 780-3333 or going to www.ticketmaster.ca.
The Never Alone Foundation is also getting ready to go fishing. The City Cats Urban Fishing Derby will be held at The Forks on Sept. 15. The aim of the derby is to promote world class fishing along the Red and Assiniboine rivers in the heart of the city; provide anglers with a structured fishing opportunity in a friendly and competitive manner; and educate the public about the benefits of fishing as a positive leisure activity.
Participants are being challenged to collect the most pledges in support of the Never Alone Foundation. Media personalities will be invited to collect pledges and participate in the derby. Prizes - which include a Lund boat, motor and trailer - have been donated by Lund Boat and various other organizations to be awarded to participants for both fundraising and fishing efforts. Pledge forms are currently available at the Winnipeg Football Club office at 1465 Maroons Road.
CancerCare Manitoba is the main beneficiary of the Never Alone Foundation, which was conceived of by Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer. Bauer was inspired to assist cancer sufferers and their families as a result of his own experience with the disease after being diagnosed with throat cancer in late-2004.
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