Westlock Bowl has once again collected an incredible five-figure sum for cancer research after a month-long fundraising drive.
Individual bowlers, local businesses, and Westlock-area students all contributed to the $23,579.37 fundraising total, which was announced during an afternoon celebration at the bowling alley last Sunday, Feb. 2.
“To have that amount raised, I always find it amazing,” said Carolyn Kohlsmith, one of the owners of Westlock Bowl who helped to organize the local event.
This is the third year in a row Westlock Bowl has been participated in Bowl Canada’s annual Knockdown Cancer event — and if previous years are any indication, Westlock Bowl will once again top the lists of fundraising totals.
For 2012 and 2013, Westlock has topped the list of fundraisers, which includes giant bowling centres in major urban areas.
The initial intent of Knockdown Cancer was to have bowling centres across the country put aside $.25 from each paid shoe rental in January to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Since Westlock Bowl first participated in 2012, Kohlsmith has known that $.25 per shoe rental in Westlock wouldn’t add up very quickly — so the money has come in other ways.
League bowlers have collected pledges, local businesses showed support by taking part in a team event in January, and three local schools even pitched by collecting spare change for the cause.
These extra events have made a significant impact — with fundraising totals of about $23,000 and $25,000 in the first two years, Westlock’s efforts have accounted for nearly one fifth of the $250,000 raised nation-wide over two years.
Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec, who was on hand for the wrap-up celebration, said she was once again very impressed with what Westlock has accomplished in fighting a disease that has affected so many people.
“I’m so proud of this group of people. They all work so hard,” she said.
Kubinec added the group’s extraordinary efforts go right to the heart of what this province is all about — hard work to make things better.
“That’s what makes this province great,” she said. “It’s built by volunteers.”
Kohlsmith said the total raised by bowlers collecting pledges this year was slightly lower than last year, while more money came in through the team event and area schools.
She put special emphasis on the efforts of youth bowler Matty Walterhouse, 11, who brought in more than $1,000 on his own, as well as league bowler Minnie Jonk, who collected more than $1,300 with the help of a very supportive family.
And even if the fundraising total is a bit shy of last year’s total, Kohlsmith said she’s proud of the effort everybody put in and the overall result.
“We just do our best and whatever happens, happens,” she said.
