A Rocanville man is taking on a nearly 700-kilometre rollerblading journey across Saskatchewan in an effort to help preserve a building he says is at the heart of his community.
Former Yorkton Terrier & Melville Millionaire Dion Campbell begins his “Blade Across the Prairies” fundraiser Saturday, travelling from Walsh, Alberta, to the Manitoba border near Fleming to raise money for major repairs needed at the Rocanville Rink.
Campbell says the idea was born after residents gathered to discuss the aging facility’s future.
“We had a town meeting here and the town meeting just kind of said that the rink was in need of some major repairs and we needed to come up with some ideas what we could do to fundraise,” Campbell said. “We formed a committee and the next thing you know, we came up with Blade Across the Prairies. It’s a different type of fundraiser, obviously, a little bit more creative and outside the box.”
The Rocanville Rink Fundraising Committee was formed earlier this spring after years of deterioration left the building in need of extensive repairs, including a new roof and work to address water damage.
For Campbell, the rink represents much more than a place to play hockey.
“It’s such an important facility for the town,” he said. “We have long winters in Saskatchewan and especially in rural Saskatchewan where there’s not a lot of other options. We have a lot of kids in minor hockey, youth hockey, a senior team and figure skaters, so we have a lot of people who use that facility and we want to make sure that it stays standing and is functional for years to come.”
Campbell hopes to cover roughly 100 kilometres each day, with the trek expected to take about a week, weather permitting.
“We’re starting in Walsh, Alberta and trying to get all the way across to just past Fleming,” he said. “Hopefully the weather conditions work with us a little bit. We’re going to try to get every day about 100 kilometres a day, if we can.”
The fundraiser has already drawn support from businesses and communities across southeast Saskatchewan, with sponsors helping provide equipment and supplies for the journey.
Those looking to support the initiative can donate through the Rocanville Rink Fundraising Committee’s Blade Across the Prairies Facebook page, by e-transfer to rocanvillerinkfc@gmail.com, or by making a donation directly to the Town of Rocanville.
Comments