Steve Chaboyer from Adult and Teen Challenge is encouraging Pembina Valley residents to grab a fishing rod and make a difference in the 2025 North American Fishing Challenge, a unique, app-based fishing tournament happening on June 14.
“I work the Pembina Valley Office in Winkler,” Chaboyer explained. Though not a seasoned fisherman himself, “I try to be... I go fishing and I sometimes catch,” he said, eager to hit the water with a friend as part of a growing group of local fundraisers.
The fishing challenge, which began in Minnesota, now spans both the U.S. and Canada. Participants compete from anywhere they have cell service by using the FishDonkey app. “You download the app and you upload everything to the app by 3:00 on the 14th."
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This tournament is for anyone
The tournament isn’t just for experienced anglers. “It’s for anyone... if you [have] a fishing rod, or maybe you can catch fish with your hands,” laughed Chaboyer.
There’s even more incentive: fundraising participants will be entered to win major prizes, including a brand new Lund fishing boat. “For every $500 you raise, your name goes into the draw. And so, the more you raise, the more chances you have at winning it,” Chaboyer noted.
It’s all about addiction recovery
More importantly, the event raises awareness and support for Adult and Teen Challenge addiction recovery programs across North America. “People might be going out to compete... but really, everything is going to support life transformation,” Chaboyer said. “People like myself and like many people we work with in the community here.”
All programs offered by Teen Challenge are free of charge. “When I went to Teen Challenge several years ago, I had nothing… If I was required to pay a monthly fee or something… there's no way,” he shared. “I probably wouldn't be sitting here right now promoting this fishing event.”
Community gratefulness
Chaboyer extended a heartfelt thank you to those who support the organization. “Thank you... Something as simple as donating to our ministry supports these life changes. It’s amazing.”
For those unable to fish, donations are still encouraged. “Even if you can't go fishing… You can always donate. You can always go on our website, come by our office… come say hi, come have a coffee.”
Registration for the 2025 North American Fishing Challenge is open now. Participants can sign up individually or create a team at TeenChallenge.tc.
Chaboyer urges everyone to give fishing a try and take on the challenge, and who knows, you just might reel in a trophy catch and help change a life.
Learn more here.