Hi-Ho Hot Dogs has been grilling up a tasty lunch in support of CIBC Run for the Cure for ten years, and on Aug. 31, they bid adieu to their popular fundraiser.
Debbie Palson started the fundraiser with her grandkids when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The kids had a little lemonade stand and then we said, ‘let’s do some hot dogs for the neighbours.’ We decided if they make money they can give it to CIBC Run for the Cure because we had a team who ran,” explained Palson.
CIBC Run for the Cure is a yearly fundraising event in which participants across Canada team up to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
It is known to be the largest volunteer-based fundraising event supporting breast cancer.
In their inaugural year, Hi-Ho Hot Dogs raised $300, and donations continued to grow in the following years.
“We have donated $50,000 to Run for the Cure. This year’s amount will take it easily past $60,000,” said Palson.
She added that all funds raised and donated within Manitoba stay in the province once they are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Hi-Ho Hot Dogs held their annual fundraiser in Hnausa on the edge of their lake-front property.
“The name of the property is Hinar Ho and this piece of property has been in my husband’s family for 140 years,” said Palson.
She continued to explain that there is a tiny beach house on the property, and her kids suggested calling it “Hi-Ho.” This is how the famous community-wide event got its name.
“It’s a warm and fuzzy community event with lots of support from everyone.”
The Hi-Ho Hot Dog team has been firing up their barbeque for a decade in support of the CIBC Run for the Cure, and for 2024’s event, they grilled up their final hotdog.
“It has been a wonderful journey, but it is a massive amount of work. It has almost outgrown our property,” Palson explained.
A record-breaking 400 people supported Hi-Ho Hot Dogs with their final fundraiser.
Paulson described the day to be a, “bittersweet ending.”
She is humbled by all the support they received from the community.
“Pratts Wholesale donated 400 wieners, and Costco on Regent gave us a $200 card to buy buns and condiments.”
Apart from buying all the ingredients, Palson and a group of friends made chili, fresh relish, and fried onions so people could build their own gourmet hot dogs.
Once Hi-Ho’s Hot Dog Day arrived, they sold a hotdog and a drink for $5 and sold out of their 400 hot dogs in under two-and-a-half hours.
Apart from eating hot dogs, there was lots of fun at the popular event.
Community members were entertained with live music, fun games, bouncy castles and exciting silent auction prizes.
Palson thanked all of the people and businesses for their generous donations as they helped make the event possible.
“Everybody chips in,” she said.
Palson is unsure about what Hi-Ho’s future may look like.
“If we are missing it next year, something may happen in the future on a different scale. The dust is just settling for this one.”
She added that she would definitely support anyone who takes over the hot dog fundraiser next year.
If you missed Hi-Ho Hotdog’s final event but would still like to donate, they have an online link where they accept donations for Run for the Cure. You can donate by visiting the Run for the Cure donation website and searching for “The Hi-Ho Hot Dogs” on the team page.
Express Photo by Corrine Einarsson
