by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) – Hospice Renfrew and the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation increased their coffers by thousands of dollars courtesy of the Cobden and District Civitan Club.
Saturday afternoon, at the end of a four-hour ice fishing derby, each of the organizations received a $10,000 donation. However, the foundation earned an extra $10,000, as any donations made throughout the week were matched.
Following the derby, the large crowd of people gathered at the wharf to find out, not only who won the draw prizes, but the various grand prizes and the biggest fish.
“Thank you everyone who came out again today,” said Kevin Lamorie, chair of the fishing derby. “It was an awesome day.”
The preparation of this event begins in May and plenty of volunteers, some who are Civitan members and some who aren’t, he said. Mr. Lamorie gave special recognition to Chantelle Cartman.
“Chantelle Cartman does more work than probably half the people in the audience,” he said, bringing a loud round of applause for her.
Mr. Lamorie noted Cobden may only be a community of 1,000, but, it’s events like these everyone participates, whether it’s selling/buying tickets, providing prizes or sponsorship or fishing.
“We certainly would not have these great prizes without everyone donating,” he said.
He noted the township cleaned out the parking lot and while it also cleaned off the lake, that was hard to tell because it snowed – again.
“We’ve been doing this (fish tournament) for nine years and this is our biggest year yet,” Mr. Lamorie said.
There were 1,329 anglers participating in this year’s fish tournament.
“That is awesome,” he said, adding with a bit of humour, “Chantelle and I can retire when we reach 1,500 (anglers). So, next year, our 10th anniversary, bring your friends so Chantelle and I can quit and actually go fishing.”
Two area politicians were invited to the stage to welcome the anglers.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant found out, by shouts from the crowd, there were more Valley people in attendance than those from out of the area.
“There’s more Valley people here, and I know how to get the numbers up even higher for the 10th anniversary,” she said. “Bring your friends.”
While those who came to the event wanted to fish and have fun, or even just buy a ticket, she noted along with having fun, “they are doing something wonderful for the community and all of Ontario.
“The money is going to Hospice Renfrew, but most of all, it’s going to make sure we have Kevin with us for many more years, as a big chunk of money is going to the heart institute to keep doing what it does best year after year after year.”
Mr. Lamorie suffered a heart attack last July and spent time at the heart institute, having received three stents. A CTV newsclip was produced on Mr. Lamorie regarding the life-altering event. Near the end of the interview, Mr. Lamorie says, “I’ve been told by several people I’m a very lucky man and I must say I am.”
Whitewater Region Mayor Mike Moore thanked the hundreds of people for coming to the township and enjoying its “beautiful amenities.
“This lake behind us is a true Godsend to this area and I’d just like to say thank you to the area groups looking after it and keeping it healthy for us.”
He wished everyone a safe trip home, saying, “Hope y’all come back next year.”
Civitan club president Fred Laderoute then presented two $10,000 cheques – one to Lindsay Firestone from the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation and one to Jamie Cybulski of Hospice Renfrew.
Mr. Cybulski said, “On behalf of hospice, thank you so much. This facility, offered free of charge, serves the entire County of Renfrew, specializing in end of life care. It’s an unbelievable facility. It was also the first of its kind here in Ontario.”
He thanked the Civitan and anglers for their support, admitting it’s fundraisers like this that will help Hospice Renfrew to continue for another 10 years.
Ms. Firestone noted the heart institutes does not receive funding for the life-saving equipment it has, “so this is huge, as we get to continue to save lives for people, like Kevin. Thank you to everybody.”
She also noted that a sponsor for the heart institute was matching all donations made during the week, bringing a large round of applause from the crowd.
Mr. Lamorie then called Gayle Jaques from Royal LePage, sponsored the children’s fishing derby, which saw just under 130 participants.
The adult prizes were presented followed by the grand prize draws.
Winners of the 2019 Cobden Civitan Club Ice Fishing Derby
Perch — 1st: 11 3/4”- Adam Redmon; 2nd: 11 1/4” – Gary Lair; 3rd: 10 1/4” – Burt Lair
Trout — 1st: 29 5/8” – Sam Cudmore; 2nd: 28 1/4” – Gord Schweertman; 3rd: 28”-Tom Godda
Pike — 1st: 31 5/8” – Dave Crozier; 2nd: 31 1/4” – Jamie Ferguson; 3rd: 30 1/4” – Mike Muslac
Largest overall fish — 31 5/8” – Dave Crozier
Children’s Derby—Girls — 1st: 25 3/4” – Nevaeh Belaire; 2nd: 24 5/8” – Adison Williams; 3rd: 23 7/8”-Abigail Wiggins
Children’s Derby — Boys — 1st: 27 1/4” – Lucas Gillan; 2nd: 261/2” – Keaton Urquhart; 3rd: 261/2” – Korbyn Keller
Grand Prize Winners
-$400 Gift Certificate Babbling Gourmet-Justin Hunt
-gas Ice Auger from Als Bait and Tackle-Ben Milne
-Cross Bow from Gourleys Outdoor Store-Shawn Sandrelili
-4-100 level Senator tickets and parking from Herrington Machanical-Victor Godin
-Flasher from BROKERLINK Renfrew -David Luloff
-trip to Vegas from Travel Only-Kim Flinn
-boat and motor from Plummers – Pembroke -Kathy Watson
A separate draw was held for a 2019 four-wheeler, which was won by Jon Malcolm of Cobden.
