River Valley Cancer Support Group celebrates fun, success at annual Curl for Cancer event at Florenceville Curling Club
Crowds packed the Florenceville Curling Club on Friday evening, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3, to share the fun and support efforts of the River Valley Cancer Support Group’s annual fundraiser.
The RVCSG’s executive, members and event volunteers wore huge smiles as the 16 participating teams and event activities raised more than $33,000.
“The 16 curling teams, plus support from 100 River Valley businesses in prize donations or financial support, helped our group raise over $33,000. Amazing.” said RVCSG secretary Tracey Johnston.
She also praised the musicians who shared their time and talents to entertain the packed curling rink on Friday evening and Saturday.
Entertainers included the Monquartet, Melissa White and Friends, Jack McAfee and Mark Reid.
Johnston also expressed appreciation to the Bath Lions Club, which provided soup and sandwiches throughout the event.
The heart of the annual Curl for Cancer event is the curlers, from novice to expert, who take to the ice for the day.
“I try to get here anytime I can,” said veteran curler David Brennan, who skipped a team at the 2024 event.
He described it as a fun event for a great cause.
The Downey team, featuring Doug, Brayden, Bryson and Mariah Downey, took home the 2024 Curl for Cancer Jim Baird Memorial championship.
John Brown and the Ladies team, including Dawn Murray, Mary Turnbull and Kathy LeBlanc, were the top fundraising team, while Brown earned the title as top individual fundraiser.
The River Valley Cancer Support Group received support from beyond the community, including representatives from Bridge of Hope in Houlton, who attended the Florenceville-Bristol event.
“We came to help,” said Kim Folsum, who was joined by Bridge of Hope members Claire Poirier, Cree Godfrey and Gene Patterson.
Folsom said their organization, while smaller than RVCSG, provides the same type of financial support to cancer patients in the Houlton area.
She said the Bridge of Hope’s primary fundraiser is an annual walk held each October.
The River Valley Cancer Support Group helps Carleton County cancer patients cover costs such as travel, medical bills and other expenses during their battle to return to good health. The organization estimates they help more than 10 people monthly.
The group can meet the high demand thanks to widespread community donations, including those who support the annual Curl for River Valley Cancer Support Group.
