An upcoming youth curling bonspiel honours the memory of a much-loved local child while raising funds to help another youngster.
From Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, the Jonathan Watson Memorial Bonspiel will take place at the Teulon Curling Club.
“Keeping with our original mandate to promote youth curling and at the same time raising funds to help local families fighting childhood cancer, we are hosting a U15 bonspiel along with Curl Manitoba,” said Brenda Watson, Jonathan’s mom.
“This will include up-and-coming local teams and hopefully teams from across Manitoba who are trying to gain bonspiel experience by curling against peers of the same calibre before transitioning to the more competitive U18 events.”
Jonathan lost his battle with cancer in November 2005 at the young age of 11. His family fondly recalls how much he loved to curl, and he participated in the Petersfield Little Rocks program as well as the Teulon Junior program.
The Teulon community — and other communities throughout the Interlake — showed support for Jonathan and his family during his battle with cancer. As a result, the family aims to give back to the community through the Jonathan Watson Memorial Bonspiel.
“The committee values the support we have received in the past and asks for donations for the silent auction. We will be raising funds during the bonspiel by holding the silent auction and daily 50/50 draws to benefit a courageous child from Inwood, Maize Morin, daughter of Nathan and Monique. Maize is currently battling cancer, and we are looking for generous supporters to help this family,” Brenda said.
“Maize has shown incredible strength and resilience throughout her journey. The financial burden that comes with childhood cancer is overwhelming for any family, and we are hoping to ease that burden a little by raising funds to aid them with the extra travel, parking and food expenses while she undergoes her chemotherapy treatments for a Wilms tumour.”
For more information or to show support for the event, contact organizing committee members Brenda Watson (204-886-0333, watson57b@gmail.com), Kim Watson (204-886-3419, bkwatson4@gmail.com) or Sharon Jack (204-886-3123, shsajack@hotmail.com).
“We hope that you will stop by the rink to check out all the great curling,” Brenda said. “The bar and canteen will also be open all weekend and, of course, the wonderful silent auction.”
