Low turnout didn’t mean low donations during the Lions’ Move-a-thon on Saturday.
“We were very disappointed in the numbers, but we are very excited about how much money we did bring in,” Joanne Baker, secretary for the Lions said.
About 40 people participated, and Baker said although the final result isn’t tallied, about $3,500 was raised.
“There’s still more people out there with pledges that haven’t been turned in yet,” she said.
On Saturday morning, groups and individuals were invited to either skate or walk laps around the Community Complex for pledge money. The money raised would be split between Habitat for Humanity and an organization of their choice. Eight groups, including the Lions and Habitat for Humanity received donations including the Castlegar Queen Committee, Stanley Humphries Grad 2011, the Castlegar Skating Club, Castlegar and District Community Services Society, the SPCA and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
“The new candidates for Miss Castlegar brought in about $1,200,” Baker said.
When all the money is tallied, Baker estimates Habitat for Humanity will receive about $2,200.
The first event of its kind for the Lions, Baker said she hopes the event will be put on again next year so they can split the funds with another great cause.
Baker said the Lions are also grateful to Columbia Power for sponsoring the event, including donating prizes and covering the expense of the ice time.
The West Kootenay branch of Habitat for Humanity is preparing to build a house in Castlegar starting in late spring or early summer. Currently, they’re raising funds for building materials.
For more information, visit habitatwk.ca.