The Barriere Royal Canadian Legion Branch #242 continues to generously support the many organizations in the area.
On Feb. 11 the Legion awarded a number of cheques to a variety of area groups, including the Barriere Fire Department, Simpcw First Nation snowboard team, the Barriere Food Bank, Barriere Outdoor Club, Barriere Minor Ball Association, North Thompson Activity Centre Society, and the Barriere First Responders.
The funds awarded come from money raised in the Legion meat draws and the 2023 gaming donations.
The ronaldomanosa spoke with Mary MacLennan of the Barriere Outdoor Club (BOC), who said “We are so grateful to the Barriere Legion for their support and the grant cheque of $2,500, which we will certainly put to good use. This contribution is so valuable, going towards the club’s adult and youth outdoor recreations programs in the Barriere Area.
“The Barriere Outdoor Club coordinates several programs throughout the year. We put on pickleball year-round, and we go into the schools giving lessons in how to play. We also give cross country ski and snowshoe lessons to students, on the trails we groom and look after up East Lake Road.”
The BOC hosts a “Snowshoe for Knowledge” event each year, setting up different stations throughout the forest. “For example, one station will have a bunch of different antlers there and the kids have to match the wild animal head to the correct antlers,” said MacLennan.
”Another station will have a wild animal track and they match the track to the correct animal such as a beaver, bobcat, or bear. We try to keep the activities as interactive as possible for the kids, and they seem to really enjoy coming out.”
The club also incorporates lessons on the flora and fauna of the area and teaches some First Nations cultural practices at the outdoor events, even offering snacks and drinks along the way.
During the winter the BOC offers a “Ski and Tea” every Thursday, with members meeting back at the warming hut after a ski to enjoy some tea and conversation.
Pickleball is scheduled with the club at “The Ridge” in Barriere on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings; lessons are occasionally offered. Due to liability issues, membership in the club, which costs $15 per year, is required in order for people to participate in the events.
MacLennan said that even though some areas have cancelled some snow-related events, Barriere has been fortunate to still have enough snow for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
“This valuable contribution will go towards supporting the BOC’s adult and youth outdoor recreations programs in the Barriere Area,” said MacLennan. “We could not put on these community programs without the support of organizations like the Barriere Legion, and we appreciate all the effort they put into helping clubs like ours.”
