‘Snow-A-Rama’ seeking district support

An Atikokan man wants people across the district to grab their snowmachines and support children with special needs.
Dave Beauregard is organizing the 24th-annual “Snow-A-Rama,” a 120-km ride slated for Saturday, Jan. 26 in support of the Easter Seal Society.
The event always has been a huge success in Atikokan but now that Easter Seals branches have merged throughout the district, Beauregard is challenging those from Fort Frances to Rainy River to come out and support the cause.
“We’d love to see riders from Fort Frances, Emo, and Rainy River because normally we don’t see many riders from there,” he noted, adding the fundraiser usually attracts up to 150 sledders.
“It would be great to see the riders get out and get them to support Easter Seals in the Rainy River District,” Beauregard enthused.
Participants can register at Union Gas in Atikokan on Friday, Jan. 25 from 7-9 p.m. or the Saturday from 7-11 a.m.
The 120-km route will go from Atikokan to White Otter Lake, then to Calm Lake, and back to Atikokan.
“It’s beautiful, the trails are excellent. We have some of the best trails in Northwestern Ontario,” said Beauregard, adding small bridges have been built over rapids and there were a number of picturesque sights throughout the ride.
A supper, awards ceremony, and dance will follow.
Money raised will go towards a number of Easter Seals programs throughout the district, including financial assistance for children with physical disabilities and their families, family support and education, camping programs for special needs children, research, and equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs.
Atikokan’s “Snow-A-Rama” has proved extremely successful in recent years.
“Last year we raised $25,000. We’ve done excellent,” Beauregard said. “Last year there were 70 rides in Ontario and we were the second-highest.”
Beauregard, who’s chaired the event for the last four years, has been riding in it for at least 15 years. He said he knows firsthand how important the Easter Seal Society can be for local families.
“I’ve got a special needs child, a daughter who had cancer when she was two, so I know what’s like to have a child that takes a little more effort,” he said, adding his daughter is now seven and doing great.
He said he just hopes everyone comes out to support the fundraiser again this year.
Pledge forms are available at Tammi’s Flower Garden and Pinewood Sports in Fort Frances, Tompkins Hardware in Emo, or by calling Beauregard at 1-807-597-6643.
He also can be reached via e-mail at dbeauregard38@hotmail.com