Duane Hicks
A fundraiser dinner at Carl’s Eatery has given a boost to the local “Bear Clan Patrol.”
The event raised $1,285 for the volunteer group, which patrols Fort Frances and Rainy River, making the communities more safe and helping those in need.
While a little under 40 people attended (not as many as organizers had hoped), “it did go well and people really enjoyed the dinner,” said Sharon Wiebe of Carl’s Eatery.
“There was a great response from local businesses and individuals that donated for the penny table,” she noted.
“I think things went over well,” agreed James Eastman of the Bear Clan Patrol.
“The support was definitely there.
“Business have come together and gave us a lot of wonderful donations for our penny table,” he said.
“We were pretty overwhelmed with the response,” added Eastman.
“There’s no being disappointed at all.”
The Bear Clan Patrol is a volunteer-driven organization, with Eastman explaining the much-needed funds will be used to purchase some personal protective equipment for the patrol team.
It also will go towards gas money for mobile patrols, equipment for mobile patrols (such as lights and magnetic signs to put on their patrol vehicles), and supplies such as drink boxes and food.
“We’re really in dire straits for it,” Eastman stressed. “We need it–that’s for sure.
“Every little donation helps us with our rent, as well,” he added, noting the Bear Clan Patrol currently is renting office space in the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau building (old CN station).
The Bear Clan Patrol has been active here since last summer.
“We’ve been received really well,” Eastman remarked. “The general public has been noticing us more and more out there.
“People are interacting with us,” he noted. “When they see us out on patrol, they’re still honking and waving.
“But people also come up to us and talk to us; they let us know we’re doing a great job and acknowledging that,” Eastman said.
“The community is well-aware that we’re there and they’re more than glad that we are there.”
The Bear Clan Patrol currently is patrolling the Town of Fort Frances every Friday and Saturday night, as well as in the Town of Rainy River on a fluctuating schedule.
Its main goal is to focus on women and children and those who are in need of help. This includes escorting people home at night.
The group also keeps the community safe, doing tasks such as properly disposing of syringes.
It is not a crime-fighting group.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, the group currently is looking for community members to join.
For more information on the Bear Clan Patrol, find them on Facebook under “Bear Clan Patrol Fort Frances” or e-mail them at www.bearclanpatrol@hotmail.com
In other news, chef Carl Scott of Carl’s Eatery is among local celebrities to be put behind bars for the Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club’s “Jail or Bail” on April 22.
Donations to raise Scott’s bail can be made at Carl’s Eatery–and if you want to keep him in jail, donations can be made for that, as well, noted Wiebe.
“Jail or Bail” will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fort Frances Curling Club, in conjunction with the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business and Community Expo.
To nominate a “criminal,” call or text Lion Bill Michl at 276-1334 or e-mail him at bmichl226@gmail.com
