Despite a lack of snow and the cancellation of the ride itself, the Poker Chip Run of 2024 hosted by the Manitoulin Snowdusters is considered a success thanks to the generosity of the public.
Club spokesperson Chris Laidley says they were able to raise over $5,000 with half the funding going to bursaries for Manitoulin Secondary School students and the other half to projects the Snowdusters will carry out for the 2025 season.
He adds last year, they were able to provide 11 high school graduates with bursaries of $150 each and this year are hoping to do the same.
Laidley says the bursaries are a special initiative since the event is held yearly in memory of Todd ‘T.C.’ Corbiere of Honora Bay, a snowmobile enthusiast and a groomer with the club who passed away at the age of 60 in August of 2022.