GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – In 18 years, the Easter Seals’ Snowarama event has raised more than $500,000 in support of children with disabilities.
Unfortunately, due the pandemic, it hadn’t been held since 2020, just before COVID-19 arrived in the Thunder Bay area.
It’s great to be back, said Easter Seals manager of community engagement for Northern Ontario, Rhonda Harrison.
“Everyone’s very excited to be back, seeing old faces again and here we are,” she said on Saturday.
“The Thunder Bay Snowarama in Grand Portage is our biggest (one) that we have and we haven’t had that revenue coming in. It usually kicks off the fundraising season for the whole year, so we’re excited to be back.”
About 125 riders took part in the 2023 edition of the event, which encourages participants to raise money through pledges, then head out for a day of sledding on the trails on Northern Minnesota – followed by a dinner and dance at the casino and lodge.
“It’s a huge impact on what we’re able to provide for the families,” Harrison said.
Locally, Easter Seals helps families with children with physical disabilities purchase mobility equipment, communication devices and provides summer camping opportunities.
With the border closed for two years, and various restrictions in place in Ontario, Snowarama simply wasn’t possible the past couple of years.
Brett Turner, lodge manager at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, said the event has once again created a buzz in the rural community, located just 10 kilometres south of the Canadian border.
“We’re happy. There’s an effect all around the community. The energy is back. We haven’t done this in a while, so I’m glad we’re all here today. It’s been a few years since the world shut down and now we’re back from the brink,” Turner said.
“You can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect time.”
To donate, visit https://snowarama.org/locations/thunder-bay/.
