The extreme heat did not deter people from coming out and participating in a great fundraiser for the Creative Tables for Cancer program, hosted by Darlene Olson and her trusty volunteers.
In typical Olson style, her drive and determination to raise funds for an awesome cause was not stopped by anything.
“I have never done anything like this before. Thank God I know people who know things, cause shaving my head again was not an option,” Olson laughed as she recalled the event held on Aug. 15 at Arcola’s Prairie Place Hall.
“We had 64 people participate,” she explained. “Twenty-one of our participants were virtually or remotely taking part as they live all over the country, but we had 43 bodies in person.”
Olson was so excited to say that her youngest registration was submitted by a nine-year-old and her oldest was 80.
Olson praised the commitment, determination and grit of all who participated. She noted that three of the participants ran with weighted vests even after she implored them not to in the heat. She explained that no one would fault them for not wearing the vests in the extreme heat but they stuck to their word and toughed it out.
The fun event included presents and prizes brightly wrapped and scattered along the route for people to find and keep for their participation and of course, just for fun.
The Arcola Daycare hosted a 50/50 draw that resulted in Brittany Brown walking away with $1,550 and the Daycare receiving the other half.
A challenge was put out to get more registrations and all those who rose to the challenge were eligible to win a beautiful coach bag valued at over $200. The lucky winner was Audrey MacMurchy from Estevan.
Cathy Burton and Connie Young made cookies that looked like medals and donated participation ribbons for each participant as well.
The Creative tables for Cancer Facebook page is still hosting an online auction event until Aug. 22 for any who still want to contribute to the fundraiser and get some awesome merchandise.
You can see that many hands make light work is a phrase that comes alive when an event like this comes about.
“It was not perfect and there were lots of things I didn’t do, but I am going to do it again until it is perfect,” Olson giggled as she explained how things work in her minds eye. People who are not afraid to try and then learn from their success and build on those are what make communities great. The fact that she has so many who join her and don’t care that it isn’t perfect but just want to give are the grassroots of those communities.
Although no one was keeping score or time, Olson shared some the details of those who competed.
First in the 21-kilometre bike ride were Jenna Brady and Jenna Tomms with 49 minutes.
First in the 21-kilometre run were Michelle Cundall and Parker Campbell.
First in the 10-kilometre run was Fraser Neal from Kisbey.
First in the 10-kilometre walk was shared by three Estevan friends: Wendy Walliser, Debbie Knight and Peggy Rohatyn.
First to finish the five-kilometre run were Isabella Salazar and Katherine Collins, a mother/daughter duo.
And last but not least were the couple of women who crossed the five-kilometre walk finish line first, Terry Johnston and Lucille Weber.
Olson and volunteers would love to invite everyone out again in August 2022 for the event and invite everyone to follow them on FB for updates on events, encouragement and ways you can be a part.
