Start your engines!
There was a steady stream of ATVs of all designs leaving the parking lot at NDDHS on March 7. The Nation Valley ATV Spring Ride raised more than $21,000 for Camp Erin Eastern Ontario during the event. Thompson Goddard photo
With registration completed, many volunteers went outside to watch as the parade of ATVs left the NDDHS parking lot. Those who remained inside were busy clearing up the cafeteria in preparation for ride administrative duties, overseeing the silent auction and beginning preparations for the evening dinner. A few of the volunteers were able to gather for a group photo during a brief break. Thompson Goddard photo
NORTH DUNDAS – A steady stream of ATV’s left the parking lot at North Dundas District High School shortly after 10 a.m. on Sat., March 7 as the Nation Valley ATV Spring Ride for Camp Erin got underway. Charlotte Coons, co-chair of the organizing committee, said the 192 participants raised more than $21,000 for Camp Erin.
Camp Erin Eastern Ontario began a few years ago and is hosted by Carefor Health and Community Services. Carolyn Bourassa, Camp Erin director, said it “is an amazing experience for the children,” with no cost to camp participants.
Designed for children 6 to 17 years of age who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives, Camp Erin provides emotional support and grief education with camp activities. According to Bourassa, several parents have mentioned there was a noticeable positive change in their child after attending Camp Erin.
Bourassa said Camp Erin is “excited beyond belief with the fundraiser,” and complimented the organizing committee on the event. She explained one of the obstacles to overcome is that many people haven’t heard about Camp Erin, but that she had lots of enquiries about it during the registration process on March 8.
Coons echoed Bourassa in her remarks, saying the club was “thrilled with the funds raised and the awareness our event helped bring to such a worthy cause.”
A sincere thank you was extended to the volunteers, participants and local businesses for the support of the 2020 Nation Valley ATV Spring Ride for Camp Erin. “We hope to see everyone in March 2021 for the 2nd annual Nation Valley ATV Spring Ride in support of Camp Erin,” said Coons.
More information on Camp Erin Eastern Ontario can be found at elunanetwork.org or the website of Cornwall hospice.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
