‘The cause motivates everybody’
Wolfville club preparing for another Curl for Cancer event
“All kinds of people can relate,” says Dean Smith. “We all have a father or a brother who are survivors.”
That’s why the Wolfville Curling Club is preparing for its annual Curl for Cancer event on Feb. 18. Not only is it a good cause, Smith also promises a day full of fun when teams of four hit the ice.
“The cause motivates everybody because we all know somebody who’s lost someone near and dear,” he said.
“There will be dozens of people volunteering in various capacities.”
Volunteers will range from ice preparation to food service, he adds.
Sixteen teams are taking part. Each one will play three games and Smith says lunch and prizes are planned.
The Canadian Cancer Society will have its representative, Jennifer Tufts, on site all day and a silent auction is scheduled.
Last year, the Wolfville club raised almost $11,000, and Smith is hoping to stay in that range this time as well.
For him, and many other members of the club, it’s a family day, when children and siblings take part together.
“For some of them, like my sons, it’s the only time in the year they curl, but they enjoy it.”
Membership is up significantly in all areas of play at the Wolfville Curling Club this year, according to membership chairman Dean Smith.
Monday evening curling overflows into Tuesdays for those learning the game. Wednesday and Thursday nights are reserved for club games.
Smith says numbers are up by more than a dozen. In addition, Acadia University students are coming to learn and a Little Rocks program runs Thursday afternoons for smaller would-be curlers.
He credits the growth to promotion, word of mouth and the success of the national Masters event last year.
“I was shocked at the numbers that came to watch,” Smith said. “We are riding high on that. It was very successful.”
Smith is grateful for community and business support, which “has been incredible.”