The local snowmobile clubs of Sudbury will hit the trails on Saturday (Feb. 4) for the 36th Annual Sudbury Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids. Taking place on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) groomed trails, this annual event encourages winter enthusiasts to raise funds to support children and youth with physical disabilities.

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids has become one of the most successful winter season fundraisers for Easter Seals Ontario. This year, snowmobilers from 20 communities across Ontario will enjoy winter festivities in this day-long, family-friendly event, including Espanola-North Shore, Manitoulin Island and Timmins.

This year's event will take place at the Colonial Inn (Banquet Room), 28 Cedar St., in Coniston. Participants are required to have a trail permit and must raise a minimum of $25 in pledges. Registration will be open from from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The snowmobile ride will take place from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., followed by prizes for everyone, including prizes for Top fundraising individual and top fundraising club, as well as for oldest and youngest drivers, and youngest riders (male and female). A complimentary lunch will be available from 12-3 p.m. for all participants.

In addition, for every $370 collected in pledges, a ballot will be entered into a provincewide draw for a 2012 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 with electric start. This prize draw, a new incentive for 2012, will be held after the final Snowarama has wrapped for the 2012 season and includes all taxes and licencing.

“We are thrilled to support Easter Seals Ontario in this annual event, which allows us to promote snowmobiling in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, all for a great cause,” Brenda Welsh, OFSC president, said in a press release. “Snowarama has become an indelible fixture across Ontario and we’re proud of this established partnership that makes a significant difference in the lives of children and youth with physical disabilities.”

Funds raised at Snowarama help children with physical disabilities achieve their potential and independence. It can cost families an additional $10,000 to $40,000 a year to raise a child with a physical disability and most families can’t do it on their own. For the past 89 years, Easter Seals Ontario has provided families of children with physical disabilities financial assistance for expensive mobility and communication devices such as walkers, braces, and wheelchairs, Easter Seals camps, and alternative recreational programs.

“Snowarama continues to be a phenomenal success each year because it combines enthusiasm for an exhilarating winter activity with support for a worthy cause on a community-wide level,” Carol Lloyd, president and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario, said. “We are so proud of our long-standing and supportive relationship with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, their members and volunteers.”

To participate or donate, phone Roxanne Kneer, Development Officer, Easter Seals Ontario at 705-566-8858 or 1-800-316-5730 ext. 6 or visit www.snowarama.org.

Posted by Laurel Myers