An opportunity to support three great communities in southeast Saskatchewan is coming up on Tuesday, September 17, as the Southern Plains Co-op hosts its annual Fuel Good Day fundraiser at their gas bars in Carlyle, Estevan, and Oxbow. For every litre of fuel sold, 10 cents will be donated to local organizations. Additionally, every size of coffee will be sold for just $1, with the proceeds going toward the fundraiser. The money raised in each community will stay in that community, and in Carlyle, the funds will benefit the Carlyle Curling Club’s youth program, which serves students in grades four to twelve.
The club, which serves Carlyle and surrounding areas, aims to build a lifelong passion for curling by keeping fees low, providing equipment like brooms and sliders, and offering more opportunities for younger children to get involved.
“Our biggest goal right now is to raise money for youth rocks, especially for our elementary students,” said Justine Kyle, President of the Carlyle Curling Club. “Each rock costs around $300, and a full set for one sheet of ice comes to about $5,000,” Kyle explained that younger curlers are currently using adult-sized stones, which makes it harder for them to develop proper technique. "They usually do quite well with them when we're just sitting in the hack, and they just have to throw it a couple of meters or just up to the 1st hog line, but once they have to get it the full ice length, they usually forget their technique of how to release it properly. And they just wing their arm and try and get it down there."
The Carlyle Curling Club’s youth program currently has around 30 elementary-level students and 20 senior-level students. The club also runs league curling for adults and youth, as well as hosting bonspiels and community events throughout the year.
While the primary focus of Fuel Good Day is on the youth program, the Carlyle Curling Club is also fundraising for a new ice plant, as their current plant will need to be replaced by 2030 due to government regulations. "We will need to upgrade, and the board is still waiting on an official quote, but we are anticipating that it will be a minimum of $300,000 to $400,000," Kyle said. However, she emphasized that the immediate priority is building up the youth program to ensure the future of curling in Carlyle.
Kyle expressed her gratitude for the community’s ongoing support, emphasizing how much events like Fuel Good Day mean to the club. “We’re so thankful to everyone who helps out,” she said. “It’s these kinds of fundraisers that allow us to keep the sport accessible for young curlers.”
Southern Plains Co-op is encouraging everyone to fuel up on September 17 and help support local initiatives in Carlyle, Estevan, and Oxbow. Whether you’re filling your tank or grabbing a coffee, your contribution will make a difference in your community.