Women-only snowmobile event slated for March 15
Women and snowmobiles will once again converge on Hartland for a great cause this March. In its third year, the Zone 4 Grocery Run raises money and food for Valley Food Bank. The event kicks off at 150 Wilmot Road in Hartland at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.
The fundraiser centres around women on snowmobiles riding an 80 km loop.
Zarla Gorton is a 15-year-member of the Northern Lights Trail Blazers Club 47 and the Grocery Run organizer. She says she’s always been frustrated by the lack of women participating in the sport, so she worked to organize the first run in 2023.
“I decided that if I arranged an easy 80 km loop with some fun stops along the way, offer an experienced group and a newbie group, the ladies would come, and they did,” said Gorton.
The Grocery Run aims to raise food and money for local food banks or programs. In their first year, 50 women participated, raising 163 lbs. of food (approx. $523), plus $1,200. Everything was donated to Valley Food Bank.
Last year, Mother Nature had a surprise for them. Warmer weather meant insufficient snow to host the event. This setback did not stop Gorton from meeting the group’s goal of donating to Hartland Helpers. Instead of the run, a dance was organized at the Centreville Elks Club, raising $2,200.
So far, 50 women have registered for this year’s run, and $6,700 has already been donated. The group’s goal is to raise $10,000 this year.
Gorton is beyond excited about this year’s ride, adding that riding to raise food and money for people who need it makes the experience more meaningful.
“As the only all-female snowmobile ride in the province of New Brunswick, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring women together, hit the trails, and support a great cause,” said Gorton.
