MALLAIG - Haying in the 30’s Cancer Support Society has joined the growing list of not for profit organizations cancelling major fund-raising events this summer. The annual Haying in the 30’s old-fashioned harvest themed event held in Mallaig over the Heritage Day long weekend will not happen as the uncertainty around COVID-19 continues.
Despite Premier Jason Kenney announcing a tentative re-opening plan for Alberta on Thursday, the directive preventing large group gatherings was still in place. Whether or not that will be rolled back in coming weeks remains to be seen. The Haying in the 30’s event draws crowds into the thousands over the two-day event.
“While we are disappointed, our first priority is everyone’s health and safety. We are continuing to accept applications and will provide assistance to as many people as possible. We recognize that for those undergoing cancer treatments, the stress of the pandemic is adding to already difficult circumstances,” reads a statement on the organization’s website from president Martin Naundorf.
In 2019, a record-breaking $265,000 was raised with over 5,000 people from all over Alberta and beyond travelling to the community to take in the sights and sounds of the 21st edition of the event. About 250 volunteers pitch in annually to make it a success.
“I’ve very disappointed, but we didn’t have a choice,” Naundorf said, in speaking to the Journal Thursday.
Just how the cancellation of its major fundraiser will impact its ability to providing funding support to people battling cancer is difficult to predict as this point, he said, but he’s hopeful people will continue to give what they can to support the cause.
“We have enough funds left to accommodate up to 36 applications per month until October. After that, who knows. I don’t know how much money we are going to get in. We may have to lower the amount of victims that we assist.”
The society receives as many as one hundred applications a month, Naundorf said. Support is provided to assist with costs such as fuel, transportation and lodging for those who are undergoing cancer treatment. With more applications than funds available, priority for support goes to people in the Lakeland.
Donations can be made on line through the Haying in the 30’s website at www.hayinginthe30s.com or by mail to Box 35, Mallaig, Alberta, T0A 2K0.
