Alexander Leach, Editor
COBDEN – Lockdown my have kept them off the lake, but it’s not keeping them out of the tumbler.
Cobden’s Fishing Derby held its raffle on Valentine’s Day, February 14, in the parking lot of Olmstead’s Home Hardware in Cobden, having sold 1143 tickets.
“Ticket sales exeeded our expectations.” Cobden Civitan Club President John Cull said, with the derby’s cancellation due to concerns of COVID-19 vulnerability. “We were hoping just to break even.”
“Even though they allowed for fishing, the optics were bad.” he said. “So we cancelled the fishing part.”
He said the pandemic has greatly affected the Civitan’s fundraising efforts as well as “put pressure on the community”.
“People are losing their livelihoods.”
The proceeds went to Hospice Renfrew, totaling $12,500.
“I hope that none of us have to make use of their services,” Cull said. “But I’m glad they’re there.”
“We couldn’t provide our services without the community.” Renfrew Hospice President Marjorie Joly said, in a short speech during the raffle. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Miriam Hunt, organizer for the Civitan Club, said she was “glad the weather was agreeable” to hold it in the parking lot.
Chris Olmstead, owner of Olmstead’s Home Hardware and city councillor, drew for the 50/50 tickets, for $2130.
The number drawn, 0033930, wasn’t claimed at the time.
Perch, Trout, and Pike categories were each given a cash draw with prizes up to 250, as well as a variety of other fishing gear.
Trout’s Winners included Sue Labrie with $75, Ron Dick of Douglas for $125, and Sue Edwards for $250.
Perch draws were Shelby Roye for 75, Jordan Gienow with 125, and Patricia Adlum with $250.
Pike’s winners were Bonnie Sequin at 75, Shelley Sypes at 125, and Andy Chapeskie at 250.
Steve Bromillow and Tom Dolan won the Early Bird draw, winning a chain saw to cut ice.
Other winners including a 150 dinner at the Whitewater Brewery, won by Bob & Karen Prince of Renfrew.
Ben Phillon won a portable ice shack from Alis bait and tackle.
Justin Thrasher won a Hummingbird Fish Finder.
Mark Breen won at 65′ Sharp TV.
Kevin Francis won a guided fishing tour from Jamie Sebastian.
Brian MisCampbell won an Excalibur AR340 Crossbow from Girlie’s, that they would assemble.
Brian Hamilton won a Kayak and Paddle.
Brad Barton won a Honda 2200 generator.
Edward Scobie won a Big Green Egg donated by Huckabone’s Farm Equipment.
Jason Finan won at 12ft aluminum boat and motor.
