funding announcement

The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is very excited to announce that we have received confirmation of funding in the amount of $11,975 from the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund (ACSC), Small Capital and Special Initiatives Program towards the purchase of a Sunroom trailer and equipment.

This funding allows us to purchase and permanently retrofit the sunroom trailer unit for the specific needs of the Derby with the addition of branding, furniture, a heater, installation of sound system connections on the exterior, as well as building lightweight shelving and counters to store and support our equipment on Derby Day. Derby Officials & Emcee use the Sunroom as a Command Centre. The acquisition of the sunroom trailer and other equipment supports our goal and enhances the fishing experience with the on-ice focus at our Command Center. We have borrowed this unit to use as our Command Center for many years. The development of our Command Center will heighten the on-ice experience. This building adds a special touch to our event!

The sunroom/trailer and equipment is necessary to provide functionality of our Command Center from which all announcements, draws and entertainment are run. Fishing Derby activities, on-ice games and announcements are made from the Sunroom in the center of the fishing grid.

This all glass unit allows our Emcee and Derby Officials to see the entire grid of anglers, fish measurers and volunteers. This structure will promote the 'good-will' of the Derby by allowing anglers to see the random prizes being drawn, raffle prize draws, presentation of cheques in a public display and announcements being made during the Derby.

Since 2008 the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby has supported over 85 community projects and re-invested $224,497 into Lac du Bonnet and surrounding areas as follows:

• $89,553 - Community Volunteer Organization (CVO) hours,

• $115,344 – Grants,

• $14,000 – Bursaries,

• $5,600 - Donations

We will discuss partnering with other events/projects/venues in the community to see if there is an interest in the use of the portable sunroom for their events/venues.