Gratitude - Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund Winery Ride Raises Nearly $11,000 Niagara This Week Story ... Trail Ride for Breast Cancer Raises Over $10,000   
Thursday, June 11, 2009 6:29 AM June 7, 2009 couldn't have been a better day for the Upper Canada Equestrian Association's (UCEA) Annual Nicky Aitken Memorial Trail Ride for Breast Cancer. Not too hot, not too cold, a few drops of rain in the morning. Just enough to make everyone look to the sky to see what was coming next. And nothing more came, except sunshine and a few clouds here and there.  |
| The Upper Canada Equestrian Association's (UCEA) annual Nicky Aiken Memorial Ride for Breast Cancer is looking like it will be a huge success. With 1000s of dollars in prize donations accumulated for the riders in the event, thanks to very generous sponsors throughout Canada and the U.S., the organization is expecting greater numbers riding in the event. UCEA has been organizing this annual trail ride for almost 20 years, having raised in excess of $40,000 over the years. This year's goal is to raise $10,000. The previoius best for one year is approximately $6500. Organizers have been getting enquiries from throughout Niagara Region and Toronto as to how to participate in the event. If the weather is good, it is expected to have approximately 70-80 horses riding in the event that starts at Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery. The Speck family has graciously opened their property to UCEA to host the ride that will take riders through the vineyards and into the Shorthills Provincial Park. The ride will be approximately 2 hours long, with participants collecting sponsorships for the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund. At the end of the ride, all riders will once again assemble at the winery for entertainment by Kathy Evans, have some food and participate in the awarding of prizes. The grand prize for the person that raises the most donations is a $1800 Western Show Saddle generously donated by Bill McGee of Port Pontiac Buick GMC and Breck Foerstner of HorseWorld Emporium. This year, a new prize is being given for the person riding with the most unique breed of horse in the event as well. There are many prizes to be awarded throughout the day. A meeting is being held on June 4th, at 7pm for any one wishing to volunteer time for the day to keep the event organized, safe and functional for all participating. The meeting takes place at Saturn Stables, 2783 Oille St., St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7. Organizers are still seeking more prizes for the participants as well as monetary donations for the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund. Prize donations can be sent to Saturn Stables or call 905-684-6030 to arrange pick up. Monetary donations should be made payable to Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund and can be mailed to Saturn Stables as well. Or you can donate via PayPal at the top of this screen on the right hand side. Donations of over $20.00 will be issued a tax receipt by the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund. Thank you in advance for your generous contributions. The Upper Canada Equestrian Association wishes to thank all that have helped in making this event the huge success it appears to be thus far. For further information, please call 905-684-6030 or email UCEACancerRide@equineniagaranews.com. www.ucea-niagara.com |
