Volunteering is alive and well in Canmore and Carol Robertson would like to commend everyone she’s come into contact with in regard to her project.
After Jim Milley started the Bow Valley Charity Poker Tournament five years ago, Robertson has taken the event over and, as a cancer survivor herself, is looking forward to raising funds for Knights Cabin and the Ride to Conquer Cancer, an event she will also take part in.
The event itself, which will be held at the Canmore Legion, May 5, is sold out, but Robertson feels thanks in advance are due to the community.
Robertson, a survivor of anal cancer (“people need to get their asses checked”), has been joined in organizing this year’s poker tourney by Sarah Short, whose very young daughter Mackenzie was claimed by a brain tumour, and Steve Landi.
The tournament has raised more than $30,000 over the years and another $8,000 is hoped for this year. Organizations receiving funds include Canmore Hospital, Kidsport Bow Valley and SAGE. The tournament for 80 players also features 50/50 draws, prizes, a silent auction and a raffle.
“I’m an avid poker player and it’s one of the best events I’ve attended,” said Robertson. “It’s been well organized and it’s for a good cause.”
Having jumped into organizing the event themselves, Robertson, Short and Landi have been impressed by the largesse shown in the community.
“The Legion in Canmore donated the space for us,” said Robertson, “and the Banff and Exshaw legions donated their poker supplies to use.
“We have more than 70 sponsors and when I reflect on this, as a member of the community for 25 years, I think of the say ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Well, it also takes a village to fight cancer and people have been so generous.
“Restaurants, hotels, car dealers and other businesses have been so generous and have gone above and beyond. I think they’re all appreciative of it.”
The response to the poker tourney is in sharp contrast, said Robertson, to what she encountered after being diagnosed with cancer.
“When you’re diagnosed, you’re filled with fear and nobody gets it. During the cancer, I felt alone as I had chemo and radiation, but I’ve been cancer free for four and a half years now.”
For Short, her daughter’s cancer meant trips and time spent at the Calgary Children’s Hospital, where they didn’t feel as alone as they dealt with the big C.
“She lost a child,” said Robertson, “and doesn’t want her to be forgotten. And Steve, he’s just someone who wants to help out in the community.”
Both Robertson and Short will take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer this year and are planning a May 28 garage to also raise funds.
“Being on that bike ride is empowering,” said Robertson.
“And it’s great to just get out on a bike and get some fresh air,” said Short.
Anyone interested in donating goods or services to the charity poker tourney can contact Robertson at [email protected].
There is a waiting list to get in on next year’s poker tourney.
