A fundraiser barbecue was held today at River Road Co-op gas station and convenience store in Portage la Prairie, and was put on by the Portage Citizens On Patrol Program (C.O.P.P.). Diana is secretary with C.O.P.P. and shares why they chose to send their proceeds to Portage's Recreation Opportunities for Kids (R.O.K.).

"We usually choose a charity each year for our fundraiser barbecues. Bev, our treasurer, has record of each of the charities that we've donated to from each of our barbecues over the course of the years over the history of C.O.P.P.. But this year we chose R.O.K., because it was a new charity and we really felt strongly about what Lynne (Parker, R.O.K. executive director) is doing."

She adds, "They're asking for more activities, so we see there is a need for it. There's very little funding, of course, that goes to these kinds of things. So, when we have fundraisers, it's so much more important that people get involved and help our own community. What goes around comes around."

Diana notes they went ahead despite the rain, and had a unique area provided for them.

"We're having it in the car wash location. They (River Road Co-op) were kind enough to offer us the car wash, because they're not going to sell any carwashes on a rainy day, and we thought we want to do this rain or shine. "

She outlines some of their customers.

"Arthur Meighen sends over their classrooms. They sell the tickets at the school, and the kids march across the street and they line up. There was about a hundred of them today. And that was with the rain. So, it was really impressive to see their support. Considering the rain, it was a very good turnout."

R.O.K. executive director Lynne Parker says the fundraiser came at just the right time.

"This is unbelievable. It's so exciting. Because actually this year a couple of the grants that we have been getting come to an end this year, because they only go for a span of three years. So, this is a much needed shot in the arm that R.O.K. needs to continue with the programs that we're doing with the kids."

She adds, "Somebody had said to me, 'Well I see some people just donating extra, too.' And I believe that's because they know and they've seen the programs that R.O.K.'s doing, and the kids that are coming out to these programs. This year we had up over 50 kids attending Pals on the Playground. So, that's fantastic. The funds from this will go toward some of our snack program for Pals on the Playground in the fall, for summer camp -- we have our northend summer camp. So, we like to provide a snack for the kids during that, too. All those programs. . . Depending on what we make, it'll go toward snacks for some of our fall programs, like P.O.W., and our lacrosse program we'll be doing again. So, yeah, it's a big shot in the arm for us."

The barbecue started at started at 11:00 am and ran until 2:00.