A fun event for families and fishing enthusiasts is once again offering a chance to also help sick children.
The Fifth Annual Fishing for a Cure fishing derby fundraiser is happening at Crystal Lake on Aug. 16/17, complete with buffet dinner on the Saturday included in the entry fee.
The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 12 and under, with proceeds going to the families of two local children suffering from neurofibromatosis (NF), a debilitating disease.
Organizer Traci Parks of Lone Butte says the derby kicks off bright and early on Aug. 16 and weigh in takes place at 1 p.m. Aug. 17.
There are categories for both adults and children, and prizes are won not only by the fishers, but also for those children who turn out just for the fun and games, she explains.
Traci adds there are always some folks who return the following year after having such a positive experience at this event.
"They really enjoyed it and they really enjoyed the buffet dinner. Some say you don't need to fish – the food is so great it's worth it to come just for that."
She notes cotton candy is being provided by United Concrete and Tim Hortons is donating free coffee all day, while Sunday will see a leftovers lunch offered by donation.
Traci has a daughter, Rheanne, who is affected by NF and says they must travel frequently to Kamloops and Vancouver, and sometimes Portland, Oregon for treatment. Along with the travel expenses, there are a number of costly medications Rheanne needs to deal with the disease and the resulting pain, she adds.
Traci says Jacob Williams of 100 Mile House also lives with NF, and his family has similar issues trying to stretch their finances to deal with these expenses.
They use the Shriner's transportation when it lines up with medical appointments, but this doesn't always work for them, she notes. The Shriner's bus to Vancouver, for instance, leaves 100 Mile House on Sundays and returns on Wednesdays, requiring a three-day stay over in the city for both the accompanying parent and the sick child, she explains.
Traci notes the fishing derby and fun family event is a great way to spend an enjoyable weekend while supporting a worthy cause.