The former ski hill at Talisman Mountain Springs Inn might be a little less muddy today, the scrapes and bruises endured by participants might be healing, but the 'high' experienced by Mudmoiselle participants and organizers still brings a smile to faces as the event is deemed a success for the Bluewater Canadian Cancer Society Community Office in Owen Sound.
On Saturday, September 12th, 347 participants took on a challenging-yet-workable obstacle course winding up, down and through the former ski resort hill in Kimberley to battle mud, heights, fire and more, all in the name of fighting back against cancer. Money raised through Mudmoiselle funds Canada's most promising cancer research and vital support services for cancer patients and their families.
"As a participant, I had an emotionally-charged and fun time with my team on the course," says Carly Furniss, Fundraising Assistant with the Bluewater Canadian Cancer Society. "As an organizer, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. From the energizing 'hype up' to the muddy smiles to the dollars raised, it all went wonderfully – even the weather seemed to agree for Mudmoiselle."
And were the dollars ever raised! Each participant was encouraged to raise a minimum amount of $150, with many far exceeding this goal. Donations are still slowly rolling in, but as of print date, the event raised more than $98,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society. "It's an amazing feat, to say one event raised that much money and we can't thank all our hard working participants, volunteers and sponsors enough" Furniss says. "We'd be thrilled to reach the $100,000 mark before we officially wrap this event up for the year."
Furniss explains that money raised goes toward all aspects of the Canadian Cancer Society's mission. This includes funding research, information services like the Smokers' Helpline, and support programs, like Wheels of Hope – the volunteer-driven program that takes patients to their cancer treatments from all over Grey, Bruce and Collingwood. "When donors request that their dollars stay local, this is the program we put most money toward," Furniss explains. "We have a large geographical area to cover and we want to make sure everyone who needs a ride to treatment, has one." Furniss adds that in 2014, Wheels of Hope through the Bluewater Community Office drove 750,000 kilometres.
If you would still like to donate toward Mudmoiselle, or are interested in taking part next year, please visit Mudmoiselle.ca to get all the dirty details or call 519.376.6011 for more info.
