Curl for Wishes take the ice

By Bo Ford

The 2012 Vogue Optical Curl for Wishes for the Children’s Wish Foundation is set to go again this weekend in Charlottetown with 30 teams ready to take to the ice

The event starts up on Thursday evening with a meet and greet at Hunter Ale House with the tournament kicking off Friday at 2 p.m at the Charlottetown Curling Club.

The tournament pairs celebrity skips up with the registered teams of businesses from around P.E.I., something Fundraising Coordinator for the Children’s Wish Foundation Jason MacLean said really adds to the event for businesses to try out a sport.

“It’s a nice way for businesses to get involved. Most enjoy the aspect that they are paired up with a celebrity skip, it’s almost like having a coach for the weekend.”

MacLean said when the event was first created it was more of a high end curling event, but has since evolved into more of a social event.

“It’s for curlers to come out and participate and give back but also for the businesses to come out.”

Kim Schneider, who played third for team Canada this past year at the winning a silver medal at the World Curling Championships will be on the Island to skip one of the 30 teams.

Steve Howard, of New Brunswick is the son of former Brier and World Champion, Russ Howard, will also skip a team.

As well local talent Suzanne Birt, who took home a bronze medal from the 2003 Scotties in Kitchener, and youngster Brett Gallant, winning a silver medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships in Vancouver will put forth their knowledge with the team that chooses their talents.

The Vogue Optical Curl for Wishes raises money for wishes to be granted on P.E.I.

“The money raised goes to grant one, if not two wishes on P.E.I. We are currently working on eight right now,” said MacLean.

MacLean said without the help of its many sponsors the jammed packed event would not be possible.

“Hunters provides us with the food for the two days and the Charlottetown Curling Club provides us with the facility to do it, without help from people like that this couldn’t happen and be the success it is.”

Saturday night there will be a draw to the button for a new 2012 Ford Fusion titanium car. After an elimination process the four remaining players will move onto the ice and attempt to win the new vehicle.

The event closes with a live show from Muddy Buddy in the lounge at the curling club.