Hospital foundation challenges residents to 'Take to the Lake'

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT AREA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
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With stay-at-home orders lifting soon, and beautiful weather ahead, Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) is encouraging Saultites to get outdoors and enjoy the best of what our community has to offer this summer. They’ve partnered with OLG and Canadian Tire to issue a challenge to the people of Sault Ste. Marie, to 'Take to the Lake!'

Take to the Lake is a series of summer photo challenges designed to get our community outdoors for their health while making a splash for local care! Participants can sign up for free and complete up to eight exciting outdoor challenges spanning from June 2 - Sept. 7. Challenges are designed for all ages and abilities, and can be completed alone, as a family, or with a social bubble. Participants can challenge friends, family and colleagues to join them virtually on a team, share photos, and see who can be the most creative.

Here’s where the event gets really exciting: participants who fundraise a minimum of $25 for SAHF will be entered to win almost $10,000 in incredible prizes donated by dozens of amazing local businesses. This includes gear (stand up paddleboards, giant water mats, bikes, camping gear), experiences (weekend getaways, lessons, tours, and memberships), and more. There are prizes for individuals and teams, kids and adults, as well as for each challenge. The more a participant fundraises, the better chances they have of winning one of these incredible prizes. For full details, visit here.

“Nothing says summer in northern Ontario like Taking to the Lake! OLG is proud to partner with the Sault Area Hospital Foundation to help bring this great initiative to life! Through these challenging times, I believe we have all developed a deeper appreciation for our health, surroundings, family, and friends,” said Jennifer Barban, director, Community Programs, OLG. “Thanks to the dedication of our local health care workers, SAH (Sault Area Hospital) and our community, we are gearing up for a great summer. I’m sure many OLG families will be jumping at the chance to take part in the Take to the Lake challenge. Let the outdoor adventure begin!”

“Our team at Canadian Tire is thrilled to sponsor this event and support the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. Take to the Lake is exactly what our community needs right now – a sense of adventure, a focus on physical and mental health, and a renewed appreciation for our beautiful outdoors. Families in the Sault and area make some of their favourite memories throughout the summer, on and around our amazing waterways, hiking and camping,” said Sheila Roussain, general manager, Canadian Tire Sault Ste. Marie. “Canadian Tire has always been the place to go to equip for our Northern fun, so this aligns perfectly. I know my own family and kids spend our summer vacations together paddling, swimming, making s’mores – I’m looking forward to doing this challenge series with them!”

“When the idea for Take to the Lake came to us, it seemed like a win all-around,” said Teresa Martone, executive director for the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “This challenge is all about reconnecting: with each other, with nature, with our inner adventurer and – virtually – with our community. It’s a great opportunity get outdoors in our beautiful area, be healthy, and support our hospital. With almost $10,000 in incredible prizes available, and all proceeds supporting the purchase of medical equipment for our local hospital, we hope to see lots of Saultites embracing the challenge and Taking to the Lake this summer!”

The first in the series – the Sootoday First Dip Challenge – will launch on June 2 (tying into the expected lifting of provincial stay-at-home orders). What does your first “dip” into the water look like at the start of summer? Do you cannonball off a dock? Wet your toes at a beach? Run through a sprinkler? Break out the kiddie pool? Participants will have until July 5 to complete this challenge.

All challenges will allow four to six weeks to complete and submit your photo, with new challenges launching all throughout the summer. Upcoming challenges will include:

• Algoma Insurance 'Lake Views' challenge: June 7-July 19
• Joe’s Sports and Surplus 'Paddle Master' challenge: June 21 - Aug. 3
• Christie’s RV 'Catch of the Day' challenge: June 28 - Aug. 16
• Floreani, O’Toole, Dool and Family Dentistry on Bay 'Give’r to the River' challenge: July 12 - Aug. 23
• Tenaris 'It’s a Shore Thing' challenge: July 26 - Aug. 30
• BDO 'S’more Please' challenge: Aug. 9 - Sept. 7
• Maitland Ford Lincoln 'Dog Days of Summer' bonus challenge: June 14 - Aug. 30

Challenge names, and badges, hint at what each challenge may entail, but full challenge details will only be released as each challenge launches. To get all challenge information as it’s announced, register online.

Thank you to our many amazing sponsors and prize donors, including: OLG, Canadian Tire, Sootoday.com, Tenaris, Village Media, Algoma Insurance, BDO, Maitland Ford Lincoln, Joe’s Sports and Surplus, Christie’s RV, Floreani O’Toole and Doole, Family Dentistry on Bay, Naturally Superior Adventures, Vélorution, Algoma Bicycle Company, Outspoken Brewing, Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy, Superior Exploration & Climbing Co, Meaghan Kent Photography, Sault College Waterfront Adventure Centre, Feet First, Tyler Dunn Guiding, Picnic Plus, MAXCO, Case’s Music, PawSpa and Foremost Pets.

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