KAWARTHA LAKES-December 11, 1876, the Lindsay Curling Club was officially incorporated.
The club’s roots stretch back to the mid 19th century, when curlers
gathered for friendly matches on the frozen Scugog River. Following its
incorporation, the club began with just 10 members. In its early
decades, Lindsay curlers earned a reputation for success, including in
international competitions at the Winnipeg Bonspiel.
Growing and evolving over the decades, the club welcomed women as
members in 1947, hosted a three-day bonspiel for Canada’s centennial
in 1967, and made its building fully accessible to help more people
enjoy the sport. Today, curling brings together people of different ages
and abilities, including athletes in the Special Olympics..
From six-year-old beginners to 90-year-old veterans,
curlers of all ages and abilities will take to the ice at the Lindsay
Curling Club on December 11-12 for a special 24-hour event celebrating
the club’s 150th anniversary. Many curlers will be wearing 19th-century attire in honour of the club’s history.
“Curling can be enjoyed by everyone, and we hope anyone who has been
curious about the sport will come to our open house on December 12,”
says Deb Hatch, co-chair of the 150th anniversary committee. “It’s a
chance to throw your first stone, learn about the leagues we offer and
support some great causes.”
The signature anniversary event, 150 Ends of Curling, will run from 7
p.m. on December 11 to 7 p.m. to December 12, with proceeds supporting
several local non-profit organizations including the Ross Memorial
Hospital Foundation.
“We are proud to support our local hospital as we know it’s a place
everyone will eventually need at some point in their lives,” says
Kelly James, club president and co-chair of the 150th anniversary
committee.
While the curling will run around the clock (yes, people will be
curling at 3 a.m.!), the public is invited to a special open house
running all day Saturday, December 12 starting with a pancake breakfast,
raffles, games, and curling demonstrations.
“We’re grateful to the Lindsay Curling Club for hurrying hard for
local healthcare in this historic anniversary celebration!” says Erin
Coons, RMHF CEO. “Community support like this helps expand and
modernize ultrasound services close to home.”
Thanks to a matching challenge from FDC Foundation, all gifts to a
high-priority ultrasound revitalization project will be doubled when the
community raises $500,000 for ultrasound care, unlocking an additional
$500,000.
