Gimli youth who want to learn about angling will have the perfect opportunity to get out on the ice next month thanks to Hailey’s Way charity, its partners and generous community sponsors.
Hailey’s Way has partnered with the RM and the Gimli Recreation Centre to teach kids aged 8 to 17 how to fish at no cost. The free day of fishing on Gimli Harbour will be led by volunteer anglers who will supplying equipment and expertise.
Hailey’s Way founder Dana DesRoches said the charity wants to provide lessons to those in the community who would otherwise not be able to afford to take part in angling.
“We’re hoping to reduce some barriers for families and kids who don’t have the money or skills to fish,” said DesRoches. “Ice fishing is huge in Gimli in the winter, and we’re hoping kids will be able to go home with their own fishing kit and continue to fish over the winter.”
The lessons will include how to drill holes, how to handle a fishing rod and other practical skills.
“We’ll have the tents set up and holes drilled. When the kids arrive, we’ll have a demonstration on how to augur holes and how to set up a tent, then the kids will break up into small groups led by an angler and a volunteer,” said DesRoches. “We’ll have about four kids per tent and two volunteers and they’ll learn how to bait a hook, fix issues with their rod and fish. There will also be a demonstration on filleting and the kids can bring home whatever they catch.”
The event is being supported by three major sponsors: Prise Fishing Outfitters, Bruce’s Marine and Carlos Cucina, said DesRoches. Hailey’s Way has also been offered two Porta Potties from Interlake Portable Toilet Rentals and swag from 2ruly Hooked fishing.
Bruce’s Marine is putting together a kid’s starter kit that includes a rod and lures and is inviting community members to purchase a kit for kids to take home.
“You can sponsor a child through Bruce’s Marine,” said DesRoches. “Community members can help eliminate financial barriers and provide kids with essential fishing gear, ensuing each child has an opportunity to enjoy this rewarding activity. People have been already responding, which has been great.”
Others have volunteered to bring a skid steer to clear a spot for the fishing camp in the harbour and set up garbage bins.
“We’ve been getting a ton of community support for the necessities we need,” she said. “It really shows that it takes a whole community to raise a child.”
DesRoches founded Hailey’s Way a few years ago to raise funds for programs, recreational activities and services for youth in Gimli. The charity is named after DesRoches’ daughter, Hailey Dugay, who was shot and killed in 2018 near Fraserwood after a man opened fire at a vehicle she was riding in. Hailey, who was only 20, had just purchased a home with her boyfriend and was embarking on a new career path in education.
DesRoches sits on a committee that’s helping fundraise for a youth centre in Gimli where Hailey’s Way and other organizations can offer programming and services to keep young people occupied and engaged.
The free day of fishing lessons has already had 20 kids register in under 48 hours, said DesRoches, and it was decided to accommodate another 20 kids.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gimli harbour. People can register through the municipality by calling (204) 642-6670.
