The Combermere Karate Club (CKC) is dedicated to helping youth learn and appreciate the sport of martial arts. We are equally dedicated to supporting our township and its various clubs and services. We set aside some money and asked groups to send us a short paragraph explaining how they could benefit from our donation. The kids in the Club helped choose which worthy cause we should support.
The winners were:
- Madawaska Valley Food Bank $500
- Barry’s Bay & Area Home Support $250
- Madawaska Valley Public Library $250
We are so pleased to be able to help support these wonderful organizations. Here’s what they had to say when they received their cheques:
Elizabeth Beazley from the Madawaska Valley Food Bank said, “We purchase perishables like milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables and meat for every food bank session so this generous donation is very much appreciated.” Photo at top shows CKC President Christine Darbyson (left) and CKC Treasurer Yvette Boudreau-Smith (right) with Food Bank members Patricia McLee and Elizabeth Beazley (all photos submitted)
Barry’s Bay and Area Home Support will celebrate their 10th Anniversary of providing Assisted Living Services to High Risk Seniors this coming November. Debbie Burant, who applied for this local community grant from the Combermere Martial Arts Club, explained that they will use the award to help with costs associated with creating a 10th Anniversary Memory Book, a Reflection Garden, and 10th Anniversary Tea for the seniors.
Karen Filipkowski, CEO of Madawaska Valley Public Library, said, “Thanks very much to the Combermere Karate Club. The money received from their contest will go towards offsetting the costs of bringing Knights in the Classroom to Barry’s Bay. Knights in the Classroom provide fun, educational, medieval themed programs that are STEM based. The program on July 23 will offer two medieval workshops for school children.”
Library CEO Karen Filipkowski (centre) with Club members Bron Darbyson (left) and Hayden Smith
About the author: Yvette Boudreau-Smith is Treasurer of the Combermere Karate Club.
Many thanks to the Combermere Karate Club for enabling us to bring the Knights in the Classroom to Barry’s Bay. I’m impressed that the people who pay the subs have made the decision and hope to see some of you on 23rd July. Register at the Library and I hope you have a fun time.
Well done to the youngsters in the karate club. I am impressed by their thoughtfulness in reaching out to other groups in the community. These kids are and will become the type of citizens that will make their community an example for others to emulate! Impressed that they have surpassed the present day mindset that it is “ all about me” and have stated that “ it is about all of us” as a community. Well done!