The energy was high, the teamwork strong, and the community spirit even stronger as 31 teams dashed through Steinbach Wednesday evening, taking part in “Brewed to Win the Amazing Race Steinbach,” a fun-filled two-hour race raising funds for Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
The race kicked off with Team registrations at the A.D. Penner Park picnic shelter. After the whistle blew, teams of four set out across the city to tackle physical challenges, solve puzzles, and test their teamwork at places like Crossfit Steinbach, CJ’s Hangout, MHV, and City Hall. At each stop, teams completed tasks to move on, everything from axe-throwing and a “five-legged race” to quizzes with the mayor and even a swimming challenge at the Aquatic Centre.
All teams paid a $100 entry fee, 100% of which went directly to support Tim Horton’s Foundation Camps. Organizers say over $25,000 worth of in-kind donations were also provided by local businesses.
Jorge Soussa, manager of all three Steinbach Tim Horton's locations and event organizer, said, “We really wanted to create something fun that brings the community together and gets people excited about supporting Camp Day, which is taking place next Wednesday, July 16. And this event is a great lead-up to that. We’ve had a huge response, more support than ever from local sponsors and teams.”
Competitive spirit meets community connection
It was evident from the start that the Teams weren’t just in it for the cause; many came to win.
Anthony and Jude, who participated as part of a team from Crossfit Steinbach, brought a mix of confidence and excitement.
“We’re here for fun and some bragging rights, too,” Anthony said with a grin.
“Yeah, it’s also a great community event,” added Jude. “We’re both from India, and to see so many businesses involved, it’s really meaningful.”
Their team was made up of a mix of locals with different backgrounds: a CrossFit coach, a firefighter, a pilot-in-training, and a student.
“We just wanted to come together, give it our best, and show some team spirit,” said Anthony.
Pat Porter teams bring the spirit
Carla Walker, from the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, was all smiles as she explained why they entered two teams this year.
“We believe in being a part of our community, and this was a perfect way to do that,” Carla said. “Last year we were just a pit stop, so this year we were excited to actually join the race!”
Her team included a mix of employees, board members of the Pat Porter, and some from Victoria LifeLine.
“We’re confident, but also nervous,” Carla laughed. “Honestly, though, it’s just great to see so many people come out. You see familiar faces, new faces, and everyone’s here for the same reason.”
Race highlights
When the dust settled and the last clue was solved, teams returned to the Pat Porter Active Living Centre for a celebratory barbecue and awards presentation.
One of the highlights of the evening was a moving speech from Bisi Odusose, a former camper and Youth Advisory Council rep for the Foundation.
Sousa noted, “She’s usually shy, but you couldn’t tell tonight. And that’s what these camps do, they give youth the confidence and life skills they might not have access to otherwise.”
Challenges throughout the race included:
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Axe throwing at CJ’s Hangout
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Five-legged “Squid Games” race
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Trivia with the mayor at City Hall
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Swimming adventure at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre
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Beach volleyball at the new Southeast Event Centre outdoor rink
Looking ahead to Camp Day 2025 on July 16
With the success of the Brewed to Win the Amazing Race, excitement is now building for Camp Day, coming up on Wednesday.
Sousa says, “We’ll be hosting Camp Day at all three Steinbach locations with staff squeegying windshields at our drive-thrus. Of course, we'll be selling coffee and iced coffee, with 100% of proceeds going straight to the camps. It’s one of our biggest campaigns, and Steinbach always shows up in a big way.”
Final thoughts
As the sun set, silent auction prizes were handed out, and the final burgers were served, Sousa reflected on the night’s success.
“We’re already dreaming up ways to make next year’s race even bigger,” he said. “This community always steps up, and that’s what makes events like this so special.”
Whether it was for the prize, the fun, or the purpose, everyone seemed to agree: Steinbach knows how to run a race, and run it for a cause that truly matters.