The Pink Ladies darts league is proving that fun, friendship, and fundraising can go hand in hand. After launching in Portage last fall, the group has quickly grown into a two-session annual event, bringing women together to play while raising money for local cancer causes.
Organizers Brenda Perreault and Linda Thorne say the success of the league came as a pleasant surprise. What started with a 10-week run in October turned into a second session this spring, with more players joining in.
Building momentum
“We started one in October of last year. We went for 10 weeks, and so we ended up with one in January, and it was just so successful, and everybody just enjoyed themselves. So, we decided to do another one in the spring, and that went well too,” adds Thorne.
Both sessions drew 10 teams, 20 players each, but the league can expand to 16 teams. Depending on interest, organizers say future seasons could see games shift from doubles into triples or teams of four.
Fun first, fundraising second
The Pink Ladies initiative exists in communities across the world, with a shared mission of raising money for cancer-related causes. In Portage, organizers decided to keep things local.
“So, each session we chose a person or an organization that we could donate proceeds to. Everybody took part. All the players put in names of who they wanted to donate the money to, somebody undergoing breast cancer or Cancer Care, Central Plains Cancer Care,” continues Thorne.
This year, Central Plains Cancer Services received more than $1,000. Local resident Anita Kowerchuk was chosen during the spring session and received close to $2,600.
Personal meaning
The fundraising hit home for Donna Wettlaufer, vice-president of the Portage Dart League, who played in the fall session.
“Oh, the game is. We have so much fun playing the game, and it's a good cause. And they helped my daughter when she had cancer, so I'm grateful for that,” says Wettlaufer.
Beyond the donations, she says the experience of playing with both longtime friends and newcomers made the league special.
Room for everyone
Organizers stress the league is open to players of all backgrounds, regardless of experience.
“The Pink Ladies league is open to anybody. You don't have to have any experience playing darts at all. It's all for fun,” notes Perreault.
Other than those expenses, everything raised goes directly to the chosen recipient. Weekly 50/50 draws add to the fundraising total, with games always hosted at the Portage Legion.
Looking ahead
Plans are already underway for the next season. Registration is open to new players, with league nights expected to return in mid-October, running 10 to 12 weeks on Thursday evenings.
Organizers say the combination of community spirit, friendly competition, and charitable giving is what keeps the Pink Ladies league growing. With plenty of space for more teams and plenty of energy from current players, the group expects another lively season this fall.
