While people waited at the Masonic Hall in Port Elgin for Alex Rauket, who is about to undertake a more than 800 km ride from Port Elgin to Montreal’s Shriners Children’s Hospital to raise funds for the Hospital, they were able to enjoy a pancake breakfast served by the Rotary Club of Southampton on Saturday morning, June 25th.
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Then, at precisely 9:30 a.m., Alex and Jennifer Rauket cycled into the Masonic Hall parking lot amid cheers of welcome.
Alex Rauket , a Shriner who lives in Kincardine, had decided last year to undertake the fundraising trip and he officially starts his trek on Tuesday, June 28th at 8:30 a.m. from the Port Elgin Masonic Hall.
All funds raised by Shriners go to Shriners’ Hospitals for Children to provide pediatric care to thousands of children in Canada, US and Mexico every year, regardless of their ability to pay and often include transportation to the hospitals.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau was on hand and said that it was great to be able to all get together and celebrate a great cause. “I just want to say thank to you Shriners for all the effort being put in to raise money for the Hospital. The really important people are our children and who rely on that hospital and the important work that the Shriners do to make that possible and it’s indispensable. Thank you to Alex for all that he is doing to raise funds.”
Rauket had hoped to raise $50,000 but it appears that the goal will not only be met but will be surpassed.
Several Shrine Clubs have already stepped in to donate, that include Chatham Shrine ($15,000), Mocha Divan ($5,000) and Pal Mocha ($2,000), with more expected along Rauket’s route.
In addition, local donations have been received from individuals, businesses and organizations that include EWyn Studio ($500), Carson’s Plumbing ($500), Elgin Jeweller ($150), Independent Grocer ($250), Peninsula Ford ($300) and many more.
According to Rauket, the Hospital Board is completely behind the project and the Chief of Staff for the Shriners hospital will be meeting him in Cornwall and cycling with him into Montreal to the Hospital.
Details about Rauket’s fundraiser and the opportunity to donate are available at www.bruceshrineclub.ca.
