Cornhole, a game quickly gaining popularity across Portage la Prairie, is bringing the community together for a good cause this summer.
Organizers Colin Doyle and Tara Hayes are joining forces to host the second annual cornhole tournament fundraiser, supporting Prairie Harbor, a local shelter for women and children fleeing violence.
From campground pastime to community event
Colin Doyle explains how the game started as a casual activity at a campground.
“Cornhole is a game that we play every weekend at our campground,” he notes.
After a tournament last year drew 64 players, interest surged and Doyle teamed up with Brian Bird to create a local club.
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“We had a tournament at Prairie Fusion Event Center every month from November until I think our last one was in April for the indoor ones,” he says.
Doyle adds the league has been “really well received.”
Tara Hayes, who works for Prairie Harbor, says she approached Doyle with the idea to connect the popular league with a community cause.
“We've been looking to get back out in the community and start some type of event,” she says.
Hayes mentions witnessing the game’s rapid growth.
“It just took off,” she adds.
Supporting women and families in need
Prairie Harbor provides critical support to women and children affected by gender-based violence.
Hayes says the funds raised from the tournament go toward day-to-day needs and special assistance.
“Basically, it'll just go into what we do on a day-to-day basis or if there's something special or if clients come that need something we provide that for them to get back on their feet,” she explains.
Hayes highlights the importance of donations beyond fundraising, mentioning items like “toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wash, hairbrushes, Bobby pins, hygiene products, clothes.”
She continues that the shelter recently received donated storage units, allowing them to store bigger items.
Many women arrive at the shelter with nothing making these donations vital.
“Lots of times these women are fleeing gender-based violence situations and they arrive with nothing, and they need to really start from scratch,” she remarks.
Event details and ongoing league plans
The fundraiser will take place on August 9 at Ofty's Campground.
“We're hoping to get lots of participants out and it's going to be a fun day,” Doyle says, mentioning side games and prizes are organized by Prairie Harbor.
Teams enter for $40, with $10 from each team going directly to Prairie Harbor.
He adds cornhole has become a favourite pastime in campgrounds and backyards.
“Everyone wants in on it. They play it once they realize, OK. I may not be very good, but I can still play this for fun,” he says.
The indoor league will resume in October or November and continue monthly tournaments through the winter months.
To register or find out more, contact Colin Doyle at 204-872-7728 or visit the Portage Cornhole Club Facebook page.
- with files from Brittany Boschman
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