By KAREN WELLS
The Pilot
LEWISPORTE — The Lewisporte Marina and Yacht Club and Notre Dame Bay have served to be prime locations for the annual Health Foundations Regatta, returning for its sixth year July 13-14.
The two-day event will feature a salt-water cowboy theme meet and greet type event on the evening of July 13. Tradition for the Saturday of the Regatta has been fantastic weather, so everyone has their fingers crossed for that to continue on July 14 when participants will take to the water in powerboats and sailboats for a fun day around Notre Dame Bay.
The Regatta is promoted as an all ages, family event that will feature fun games, boating and “unbelievable prizes”.
A co-initiative of the Central Northeast Health Foundation and the South and Central Health Foundation, both have teamed up again this year for the fundraiser that last year saw $38,000 raised. The proceeds supported the purchase of bariatric equipment for the dignity and comfort of obese patents in central Newfoundland. This equipment is slightly oversized and can safely assist people who may weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
Since its inception in 2007 this event has raised over $168,000 to benefit patients throughout the areas covered by the two Health Foundations.
“Both Health Foundations depend on these events to raise the majority of funds which goes back into the community within a matter of days of the event,” said Central Northeast chairperson Mac Moss. “That’s why it is so important to have the boaters and sponsors who come on board.”
Ms. Moss said the hope this year is to break the $40,000 fundraising mark. Funds have already been earmarked from a Central Northeast Health Foundation perspective to go towards diabetes education and a patient garden at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre in Gander. For the South and Central Health Foundation, they are hoping to be able to help out the emergency room at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor with various pieces of equipment that will hinge on the funds raised through the Regatta.
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