ATHABASCA — This year’s Canada Day Tennis Ball Race fundraiser was a big hit in Athabasca, and beyond, according to the local chapter of the Lions Club, and to the benefit of local organizations.
“Last year, we had three local winners, all residents from Athabasca,” wrote Athabasca Lions Club treasurer Rod Cunanan in a July 11 email.
“This year, (the winners are) from everywhere. We sold tickets to as far as Ontario residents, and to friends and families from neighbouring provinces that visited our town,” he added.
First place and a prize of $1,250 went to Paul Chaulk of Slave Lake. Second place and $750 was secured by Athabasca’s own Mary Lebid, and Edmonton's Ross Grant took home third place and a total of $500.
The annual fundraising staple takes place after the Canada Day Parade July 1. A loader bucket full of numbered tennis balls is dumped down 49 Street, and once the balls hit the pavement, the race is on.
The first three green bouncing orbs to enter the mouth of a hungry plywood lion are declared winners. The individual with the ticket numbers corresponding to the winning balls get to pocket a cash prize in addition to bragging rights.
The remainder of the funds raised through ticket sales are donated to charitable causes. Cunanan said last year, more than $9,000 went to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
In 2024, the funds will be staying closer to home, with donations made to the Pleasant Valley Lodge Residents Park fund, and Athabasca Cares Community Housing Society. Though no donation totals were available prior to publication, Cunanan estimated a figure similar to last year's donation would be split between both organizations.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for supporting the Lions,” wrote Cunanan. “We are also grateful to the many volunteers that made things easier for us; many hands make light work.”
