THUNDER BAY – After 20 years and close to $2 million raised the Relay for Shelter has come to an end.
The popular fundraiser for the Shelter House was held for the final time on Saturday at Prince Arthur’s Landing as organizers say it is time to try something different. “It’s run its course and we’re going to try something new and exciting next year,” said Tessa Murray, volunteer coordinator for the Shelter House.
That something new will be bed racing, which was demonstrated in the afternoon.
The plan is to have teams of four race to push a person on a portable bed. Murray said there will be themes and decorations when it is brought out in full force next year.
For long-time participants such as Tom Carew, who has been on the Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation team for 19 years, it’s disappointing to see the event diminish every year.
He said he enjoyed being a part of an event that supports a valuable community organization and will be sad to see it go. “It’s petering off and it’s sad to see but I guess it’s time to change the venue and move on to something bigger and better,” Carew said.
The last relay was hampered by persistent showers throughout the course of the morning and afternoon.
Murray said organizers were doing their best to keep the spirit alive. “Everything is still going on as much as we possibly can,” she said. “We might have to alter our evening activities a little.”
The event ran from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
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