Down and dirty for the cancer society
It took seven years, but the Grapes of Wrath finally broke seven figures.
The for-charity Tough Mudderstyle obstacle course attracted about 1,000 people Saturday to brave 20 obstacles over a fivekilometre-long course.
Built mostly by Doug Whitty of 13th Street Winery, the winery course included a giant water slide, mud pit, rope bridge and ice bath.
“All of the money raised goes specifically to our Wheels of Hope Transportation program that is right here in Niagara,” said Michelle Begin, community fundraising specialist for the Canadian Cancer Society of Niagara Community Office.
The Wheels of Hope program transports people battling cancer to and from cancer related appointment’s, support groups or wherever they may need to go to help with their fight against the disease.
“It is all about keeping money local. Niagara has the busiest transportation program in all of Ontario. It is a $300,000 expense line to the Niagara Community Office, so the money raised here keeps that alive and going,” said Begin.
More than one hundred volunteers pitched in to make the day a success.
“It literally takes an army to make this work because there is a million moving pieces that go together to make this run smoothly,” said Begin.
For Karen Whitty, general manager of 13th Street Winery, it is not just about raising money for a good cause but bringing people together.
“For me, seeing the kids, the families and the groups all the community, that’s my favourite part,” she said.
She pointed out a woman running by who only missed one of the seven years of the race, and only because she had had a stroke that year.
“Lots of people are doing it as family and they are running for people, it’s pretty cool,” she said.
The cool and overcast weather was a welcome relief from the heat for people undertaking the Grapes of Wrath. The water slide was an easy favourite obstacle.
“It was awesome. The slide was great, we did it four times I think,” said Ryan Haanappel.
Begin said the obstacles are revamped every couple of years. Last year was a big renovation of the course.
“It’s hard this year, it’s like every year they add more mud,” said participant Michelle Vankerweyden.
Her friend Martene Harshaw agreed, “There seems to be more mud.”
Matt and Jasmine Spada shared their sentiments, too.
“This was our first year, it was awesome, it was so much fun,” said Matt.
If the waterslide was the crowd favourite, the ice bath was the crowd nemesis.
“It was worse than going to a Scandinavian Spa,” said Jasmine.
At the end of the day, it’s about having some fun while raising money for a good cause.
“We come here to make money, but it is a great thing, too,” said Begin. “We are looking for awareness , we are looking for camaraderie and letting people know that we are in the community, so it is much bigger than just the dollars and cents.”
With donations, the event has broken the $1-million mark in its seventh year. A final total was not immediately available Saturday.