Club News » Smithers, British Columbia A sensational season This club donated thousands of dollars to local organizations by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
GREAT FUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Approximately 35 riders attended the 2nd Annual Poker Ride for Hospice in Memory of Judy Vangrootheest and $450 was raised for the Hospice Society in Smithers. —Cheryl Starr photos
In terms of sledding, Smithers has it all: five excellent riding areas within 30 minutes from town and a hardworking snowmobile club that supports the sport and the community.
In addition to riding together and looking after trails, the club organized three major events this season.
Snowarama, held on February 17th, was a success. The annual event raised $18,129 for the Lions Club for Children with Disabilities. There was a kiddie course for kids with sleds under 120 cc's and free chili, hotdogs, coffee and hot chocolate provided by the Lions Club.
After that, everyone went for a 20-kilometre ride on a signed trail and then returned for the awards ceremony and giveaways. Prizes included a 2008 700 Polaris RMK (courtesy of Trails North), an avalanche kit and a 2008 family membership in the club. About 75 people showed up for the event, including non-snowmobiler Cindy Piotrofski. She ended up winning the RMK sled and after taking her first ride, organizers could tell she was hooked.
The 2nd Annual Poker Ride for Hospice in Memory of Judy Vangrootheest was held on March 1st at The Onion—a large snowmobiling area located 20 minutes from Smithers. The ride started at the club’s cabin and followed a route around the mountain. Vangrootheest was a longtime member of the Smithers Snowmobile Association who passed away a few years ago. Since her final days were spent in the care of the Smithers Hospice, the club uses the event as a fundraiser for the hospice society. Several businesses in Smithers donated prizes and funds, and a total of $450 was raised for the society.
The following day, club members held their 1st Annual Snow Drags at the Telkwa Airport. Forty-four racers and their families from all over northern B.C. came to fill their need for speed.
“There was lots of speed,” said Cheryl Starr, club secretary/treasurer, “and the winner of the King event (Jeff Wilcox of Terrace, B.C.) walked away with $1,240.”
Starr said everyone raved about the event and there are plans to make it bigger and better for next year.
All in all, Starr feels it was an excellent year and club members came together to pull off these great events.
The club's last meeting of the season will be held on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudson's Bay Lodge.
