Fishing for funds
The 10th annual Roy Chaisson Memorial Fishing Derby raised $13,100 for IWK.
Whether they were attracted to the music or to all the hooks that were in the water, three trout tipped the scales at three pounds or better Sunday during the 10th annual Roy Chaisson Memorial Fishing Derby. The event, hosted by the widow and children of avid sports fisherman, Roy Chaisson, raised $13,100 for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. With 125 fishermen registered, the participation rate was almost double last year’s number. Many others also came out to Goff’s Bridge in Roxbury to enjoy the afternoon of music provided by Cory Gallant and the Bluegrass Diamonds. “You have no idea how much I truly appreciate this,” said host Nadine Chaisson. “This is my favourite day of the year and it is a day to honour my husband and it means the world to me.” She also shared why the cause in aid of the IWK is so important to her.
“They’ve helped so many people. They saved by son’s life. Without that hospital there’d be a lot of kids in major trouble.” Her son, Carson, now 20, has attended every one of the derbies and said he appreciates everyone turning out and keeping the derby going. He expressed his hope that the event keeps getting bigger every year.
In its first 10 years, the event has raised over $28,000.
Food sales, registrations, donations and the sale of tickets on a dory, along with a fundraising match of up to $5,000 from Scotiabank, boosted this year’s total. The winner of the dory was Kevin Kelly.
“Some of you might not have won, but you’re all winners because you’re giving back to sick children,” Nadine told the crowd.