The seventh annual Ugly Sweater Bowling Party was a hit last night at Orillia Bowl.
After taking the year off in 2020 due to the pandemic, 216 bowlers returned to the event ready to spread some festive cheer and raise money for The Sharing Place Food Centre.
“People are really excited to be here, especially with the new restrictions that were announced earlier today. People are excited to get out, have some fun at Christmas, and raise a lot of money for the food bank,” said event organizer Derick Lehmann.
To participate in the event, bowlers had to be masked and double vaccinated. But it didn’t dampen the fun.
“People are just excited to be out having some drinks, throwing some balls, and wearing these terrible sweaters,” Lehmann said.
Through reserving their lanes, making donations, and buying 50/50 tickets, local bowlers raised $5,500 for The Sharing Place.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that we are able to give this money to The Sharing Place Food Centre and to provide a hand up to people that need it most,” he said.
“My goal was to hit around $3,000 tonight, and I’m floored with the support. Now we’ve given over $20,000 since the start of the event seven years ago.”
Chris Peacock, executive director of The Sharing Place Food Centre, calls Lehmann a "champion of the community," and thanked him for organizing the event again this year.
“It adds some fun and festivity in a safe and socially-distanced way during a time where a lot of us are focused on our work here at The Sharing Place and helping people who are food insecure,” he said.
Peacock says the $5,500 raised on Friday night is a change-making donation.
“These are the type of donations that provide a strong foundation for our organization. When we get large support like that it allows us to invest in the future of The Sharing Place and our facility,” he said.
“It makes a big difference to a lot of families in our community who are really struggling right now.”
