By Holly Thorne-Wiebe
A charity bonspiel that made its Manitoba debut last year is returning to Altona this month to raise funds for pediatric care at Boundary Trails Health Centre.
Last year’s inaugural bonspiel raised $11,124 for the regional hospital here, and organizers are hoping to reach $20,000 this year
Kurling for Kids (K4K) is a Quebec-based non-profit that supports children’s hospitals through curling tournaments, and it will host its second annual Manitoba event at the Altona Curling Club November. 29.
Last year’s inaugural bonspiel raised $11,124 for the regional hospital here, and organizers are hoping to reach $20,000 this year.
“This is a really feel good event,” said Sandy Friesen, Manitoba representative for K4K and a longtime volunteer.
“Each team plays two to three games, lunch and a banquet are included, and there are trophies, prizes, speakers and raffles,” said Friesen. “It’s all in support of our local children’s hospital.”
Friesen, who helped launch K4K’s first website and has curled for years, was approached by a friend at the charity after relocating to Manitoba in early 2023, and they worked together to bring the bonspiel west.
“K4K was founded by Robert Sears as a thank you to Montreal Children’s Hospital for helping his daughter,” Friesen said.
“Each curling club that hosts an event can choose where the finds go. Altona has chosen BTHC.”
Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $200 in donations with registration set at $75 per person. Fundraisers who collect $300 or more are eligible for gift card incentives from corporate sponsors.
“You don’t even have to curl to take part,” Friesen added. “You can register as a fundraiser and help out that way.”
Businesses are also encouraged to get involved by sponsoring the event and donating raffle prizes or entering as a team.
Friesen’s personal connection to the cause runs deep.
“A good friend’s son was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 16. The equipment used to image it was purchased by K4K,” she said. “It’s a blessing to know I helped, even indirectly.”
To register or donate, visit www.kurlingforkids.org.
