Snowarama: an international effort for Easter Seals

Rhonda Silence | February 5, 2023

The 18^th Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids will be held at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino on Saturday, February 11. WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with Rhonda Harrison of Easter Seals Ontario about this cross-border partnership between Easter Seals and the Grand Portage community.

Harrison said the organization expects about 150 riders to be in attendance during what has become an international party to benefit Easter Seals. The riders have a great time on the Grand Portage and Cook County trails bringing along pledges from friends and neighbors.

Among the attendees are Easter Seals Ambassadors. These young people are accompanied by their families who happily share how Easter Seals has supported them. This year’s ambassador is Emilee Pike, who loves to talk about the Easter Seals summer camp she attended. Thanks to Easter Seals, it is 100 percent accessible. Harrison said that at the camp children with disabilities can experience something that others take for granted. It is life-changing, she said.

Funds raised also pay for specialized equipment needed for daily living, such as wheelchairs and lifts, etc. Over the past 17 years, Harrison said the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama has raised over $540,000. “Together we are helping kids be kids,” she said.

The event is possible because of this cross-border cooperation. Harrison expressed thanks to the Lodge and Casino, the Grand Portage Trail Riders snowmobile club, the Grand Portage Tribal Council, and all the volunteers who help out.

Harrison said everyone is excited about coming together again for this event, which was canceled for two years during the pandemic. She said everyone is welcome, not just the Snowarama riders. There will be a bonfire, a dance on Saturday featuring Smoke House, raffles, and more.

For more information, to register or donate, visit Snowarama.org.