As the weather warms up and Brandonite’s begin to start the agonizing tradition that is “Spring Cleaning” there will likely be many trips to Canadian Tire in store. Some will be picking up cleaning supplies, while some eager beavers will head to the gardening section to try and get the leg up on their neighbor when it comes to who has the nicer flower bed.
From April 9th - 15th, Canadian Tire will work alongside Special Olympics Westman to raise money to support the local Special ‘O’ athletes and teams. This is all part of the new Canadian Tire “Charity of the Week” initiative. This gives Brandonites an opportunity to support a great group of people from right here in Westman.
“A LOT of our funding comes from fundraising,” said Jennifer Anderson Assistant Regional Leader - Special Olympics Westman. “Our funds, whether received through SOM, donated or fundraised, go towards renting gym and practice space, running programs (we offer 12 sports in the Westman Region throughout the year), entering and travelling to competitions, hosting events for other regions, equipment, uniforms, volunteer recognition, coach development, and athlete awareness.”
Along with providing Westman’s Special Olympians training opportunities, there are Provincial and National Summer and Winter Games. A number of fundraising efforts throughout the year goes to sending athletes and coaches to the biggest stage of their sporting careers. This year, the National Summer games will be held in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in July.
“We have over 200 athletes in the Westman Region,” added Anderson “Our athletes stretch from Brandon to Virden to Boissevain to Minnedosa to Neepawa, and everywhere in-between. We have athletes as young as nine, and they range all the way up into their 60's. Our fundraising benefits all of our athletes.”
Staff and athletes from around Westman will be set up at Canadian Tire until the 15th, selling raffle tickets with a $250 dollar shopping spree up for grabs. Customers can also add a donation to their purchase at the register while checking out.
The goal for this year is to raise $10,000, while the goal may seem steep to some, the group spearheading this initiative feels its well within in their reach.
“We are so grateful to Canadian Tire in Brandon for being selected as a recipient as part of their new Charity of the Week initiative! It's such an amazing opportunity for us to partner with another local organization to show support for our athletes.”
