Star Winnipeg employees raise money for Never Alone Cancer Foundation

Winnipeg, MB – Earlier this month, employees from Star Building Materials, Star Truss, and Star Ready to Move Homes participated in the River City Dragon Boat Festival fundraiser in support of the Never Alone Cancer Foundation, which supports patients and their families in many ways.

Their team, called the “Star Oarriers”, raised over $1,000. A $500 donation from Star Building Materials Winnipeg brought the total donation to just over $1,500 – the second-highest amount raised by a team in the fundraising festival out of more than 20 teams.

Chris Gleeton, Truss Designer, Star Truss Winnipeg, said he is immensely proud of Star Building Materials Winnipeg for giving back to the community. 

“The Festival suggested a base amount be fundraised, and after all participants donated, we were just a bit short,” said Chris. “Without hesitation, Star Building Materials Winnipeg stepped up and contributed the rest so that we could meet our fundraising goal.”

The business units’ team had 22 people take part in the fundraiser. A number of staff members also came out to support and cheer on the team the day of the event.

Murray Simpson, Systems Specialist, Star Building Materials Winnipeg, said the idea to get a team together for the fundraising event came about shortly after the most recent Qualico ball hockey tournament.

“We had until the end of March to get the early bird pricing,” said Murray, “so I was anticipating having to do a big push close to the deadline to fill our team. But I didn’t have to worry about that because within two weeks we had our team. It filled up quickly and with enthusiasm.”

Only a few of the team members had any experience with rowing, but the Canoe Club provided everyone with two free training sessions three weeks prior to the race. Murray said he thought the team did quite well for a group of individuals who had never rowed before, successfully working together as a team to do their best.

“After our last race, everyone was already talking about next year, with ideas on what we should do in the ‘off season’ to get better,” said Murray.

With interest in participating next year already brewing among this year’s team, it looks as though the River City Dragon Boat Festival and the Never Alone Cancer Foundation can count on Star Building Materials, Star Truss, and Star Ready to Move Homes Winnipeg to get out their oars and raise funds for a good cause.