Successful Haying in the ’30s event in St. Michael
While it didn’t quite match the funds raised the previous year, in just a few short hours, the Mar. 18, Haying in the ’30s event at St. Michael Hall raised more than $33,000 for those who need travel arrangements as they receive cancer treatment.
The St. Michael event is an arm of the main Haying in the ’30s event held in Mallaig, Ab. each summer.
Martin Neundorff spoke to the crowd and told them of the origins of the program which dates back to 1999.
“It’s a one of a kind program,” he said. “Run strictly by volunteers.”
Reil Corbeirre was at the event, He is a cancer survivor and it was his father who started Haying in the ’30s.
“You guys do a heck of a job here in St. Michael,” he said.
Neundorff said since its inception the event had helped more than 7,000 people in the amount of more than $6,000,000.
“It is run strictly by volunteers,” he said. “We have no office and pay no salaries. One hundred per cent of what’s raised goes to the cancer victims.”
The main event in Malliag takes place Aug. 5 and 6.
He added there were some new attractions at the main site this year.
“The continued success of Haying in the ’30s depends on all of you,” he said.
“Somewhere a grateful family will struggle a little less because of your kindness.”
When he finished speaking various community organizations from around Lamont County came forward with cheques to present to the organization.
The first cheque was $1,000 presented by Stella Stevens of CFCW, the radio station which sponsors much of the event.
The Chipman Car Crafters donated $1,000, and additional donations were received from the Lamont Lions Club, Skaro District Community Society ($2,000), the Chipman Agricultural Society, Alden Auto, and Andrew Lions Club among others.
There was then a live auction which was also accompanied by a silent auction.
St. Michael Agricultural Society president Chris Klita said he was one of more than 40 volunteers that helped make the more than 3,000 pierogies and other Ukrainian delicacies that were served.
According to local organizer Mae Adamyk more than 350 people attended on Mar. 18. She added the event was so popular people were ordering tickets for next year’s event.
As people were leaving, however, there was some confusion in the coatroom which resulted in a person taking the wrong leather jacket home. Organizers have asked that the person contact the St. Michael Hall and they would try to put jackets with the rightful owners.
John Mather
Staff Reporter
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