The need for the Dawson Women’s Shelter is a serious concern, but raising money for its programs and operation can be fun.
On July 12, participants in the Tri-Challenge Triathlon will be biking through town and then they will be running.
“The great thing is that it is all over Dawson and people come out of their front doors to cheer them on,” says Jean Hopkins, events co-ordinator for the Dawson Women’s Shelter.
The triathlon actually begins in the town’s pool. Those in the Gold Rush category will swim 20 lengths and then cycle for 10 kilometres and then run another five.
Those in the Gold Poke category will swim 10 lengths, cycle five kilometres and run three.
Some will be participating for the ribbons and others will be there for the fun.
Each participant will offer $50 for the registration fee and even more if they get pledges from family and friends.
And the three legs is something that can be shared with one or two others.
Last year, the event had 50 participants to help raise over $6,000 to help pay for the shelter’s children’s and pre-natal programs and to help keep the shelter running.
“We are the only food bank in town as well,” says Hopkins. “We operate 24 hours a day.
“We haven’t closed our doors since 1987.”
Even those who are not participating in the race can have fun and help raise funds for the shelter. There will be a barbecue and a silent auction.
Hopkins says the goal for this year is just to earn more than last year and to remind Dawsonites the shelter is there if needed.
The registration deadline for this fourth annual event is July 1 and information is available at 993-5086 or at [email protected].
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