The crack and crash of bowling pins and balls competed with the crisp whisper of donation checks at Mount Forest Bowling Center on Sunday, Feb. 28 when teams from Mount Forest rocked their Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington 2010 Bowl For Kids fundraising day. About 35 teams representing local business, service clubs, teachers, students and cadets laced up their rented two-toned bowling shoes and joined in on the fun.? Bowlers got started at 11 a.m. Sunday and though the action was paused so folks could watch Canada win gold in men’s Olympic hockey, all teams had taken their turn by the evening’s end.
Throughout the day, Marnie Mainland, coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters North Wellington, was on hand to welcome teams, offer support and to keep things organized.? Because of generous donations from the local communities ($18,270 from Minto/Mapleton last Sunday, $17,052 from Mount Forest this past Sunday, with both amounts to be combined with what Arthur raises on Sunday, March 7) Bowl For Kids is well on its way to achieving their $60,000 goal. ? Significant contributions came from TD Smith and Independent Auto, among others. Phoenix Performance, Coffee Culture and Print One are welcome “first-timers”. ?  “We got so much support from the community,” Ms. Mainland said. “When they couldn’t enter a team, they often dropped off a cheque.”?  Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids always deck the lanes with prizes. This year golf shirts were awarded to those who raised over $100 in donations and a carving set was given out for raising over $250. There were also lots of hourly prizes and at the end of the campaign there will be a special prize drawn for the mascots who participated.? Busloads of students from Palmerston Public School and Arthur Public School have entered the “school challenge”.? “Thank goodness for Doug Sargent of Brenmar Transit,” Ms. Mainland said.  “He sponsored the busing.”? If you would like to enter a team, there is still time. Please call 519-323-4273 to register. Ms. Mainland also reminds everyone that awards breakfast will take place on April 24. ?