Snowarama sledders raise funds for children's mobility and camp programs

About 100 snowmobile riders took part in a Snowarama fundraiser in Grand Portage, Minn., supporting Easter Seals Ontario; the event has raised more than $650,000 over 26 years to fund mobility equipment and summer camps for children with physical disabilities.

Snowarama drew roughly 100 sledders to Grand Portage, Minn., on Saturday to raise money for Easter Seals Ontario. The annual ride supports children with physical disabilities by funding mobility and accessibility equipment and fully funded summer camp opportunities. Organizers and volunteers said the public response was strong. Longtime participants and families kept traditions alive at the event. Event details: - About 100 riders joined the Grand Portage Snowarama on Saturday. - Snowarama is an annual fundraiser for Easter Seals Ontario and has raised more than $650,000 for children in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario over 26 years. - Participants pledge at least $100 to take part and chose between a long route of about 200 kilometres along the Gun Flint Trail and a shorter local route of about 55 kilometres on the Grand Portage reservation. - The shorter route has been renamed the MAG ride in memory of longtime volunteer Mary Anne Gagnon; her granddaughter and great-grandchildren rode in the event. - Rhonda Harrison, community engagement manager for the Northern Region at Easter Seals Ontario, said the event remains one of their largest fundraisers and that public support has been phenomenal. - Emilie Pike, a 15-year-old ambassador for the organization, said the event helps children access opportunities like camp and mobility supports. Summary: The event provided funds for mobility equipment and fully funded summer camp programs for children with physical disabilities, continuing a multi-decade fundraising tradition. Undetermined at this time.