Dauphin and area, you've done it again.
Canadian Tire hosted a BBQ fundraiser in town on Monday, and what a day it was. The BBQ raised $800. Owner Jeff Bonnor was absolutely blown away by the support. If you purchased a hot dog, smokie or a drink, you helped play a part in the Jumpstart Program.
Canadian Tire Dauphin was also proud to match those contributions. That means in total, $1,600 was raised in support of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. For Jeff, it was an honour to match what was raised.
"Absolutely. Just seeing everyone coming and getting a hot dog, smokie, and donating, it filled our hearts with so much joy," said Bonnor. "We felt privileged to be able to contribute to the great cause that is Jumpstart."
The Jumpstart program provides financial assistance to help children from low-income families participate in sport-focused activities.
Last year in the Parkland, 60 families were helped through the program. Five of which were assisted with individual grants. The remaining 55 were through community grants such as Regional Connections.
The funds raised will help ensure children facing financial barriers have the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation programs, where they can build confidence, develop friendships, learn valuable life skills, and experience the benefits of being part of a team.
Jeff also wants to give a special shoutout to the Dauphin HERO Club. They donated their time and provided a BBQ. Without them, this event wouldn't have been possible.
"I can't say enough great things about what the HERO Club does or the fine folks that are a part of it," added Bonnor. "Every single one of them was more than happy to donate their time. They donated the hot dog cart and got another BBQ from Irving's Catering, so shoutout to them as well. Everyone was having a great time."
Bonnor says plans for another Jumpstart fundraiser are already in the works with the HERO Club. Stay tuned for more details and another opportunity to support local kids through sport and recreation.
"And we're trying to do something with the firefighters as well," commented Bonnor. "So, hopefully, everything will come together if not the same week, on different weeks throughout the summer. Stay tuned. If not late July, it'll be early August."
Last July, Jeff became the new owner of Canadian Tire in Dauphin. He took over on July 24. He, wife Jennifer, and their two kids, Nolan and Devon, have since fully immeresed themself in the local community.
Jeff says the family loves living and working in the community.
"Not only has it flown by with how much has been going on, but the support and embrace of the community has been wonderful," he ended. "We want to say thank you to everyone in the Parkland for having us and letting us be a part of the community."
Special things are going on at Canadian Tire in Dauphin. Next time you're out and about, Jeff invites you to come check out the store.
