Lindsay Curling Club Marks 150th Anniversary With 24-Hour Fundraiser for Local Causes

By Scott Arnold

A 24-hour curling marathon, a pancake breakfast and a chance to try the sport are all part of a special celebration at the Lindsay Curling Club, with proceeds supporting local non-profit organizations, including Ross Memorial Hospital.

Lindsay Curling Club president and anniversary committee co-chair Kelly James, club member Deanna Keeler and committee co-chair Deb Hatch are part of the team organizing the club's 150th anniversary celebration. (Photo courtesy of ross memorial hospital foundation)

The Lindsay Curling Club is getting ready to celebrate 150 years in the community with an event that will keep the ice busy from one evening to the next.

150 Ends of Curling runs from 7pm on December 11th to 7pm on December 12th, bringing together curlers ranging from six-year-old beginners to 90-year-old veterans. And yes, that includes people taking to the ice at 3am.

The event will also raise funds for several local non-profit organizations, including the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“We are proud to support our local hospital as we know it’s a place everyone will eventually need at some point in their lives,” says Kelly James, club president and co-chair of the 150th anniversary committee.

The hospital is currently working toward a $500,000 community fundraising goal for a high-priority ultrasound revitalization project. Through a matching challenge from FDC Foundation, reaching that goal will unlock another $500,000 for ultrasound care.

“We’re grateful to the Lindsay Curling Club for hurrying hard for local healthcare in this historic anniversary celebration!” says Erin Coons, CEO of the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Community support like this helps expand and modernize ultrasound services close to home.”

The public can also take part in the celebration during an open house on Saturday, December 12th. Activities begin with a pancake breakfast and continue throughout the day with raffles, games and curling demonstrations.

“Curling can be enjoyed by everyone, and we hope anyone who has been curious about the sport will come to our open house on December 12,” says Deb Hatch, co-chair of the 150th anniversary committee. “It’s a chance to throw your first stone, learn about the leagues we offer and support some great causes.”

The event takes place on the 150th anniversary of the club's incorporation on December 11, 1876. Many curlers will mark the occasion by wearing 19th-century attire.

The club's history dates back to the mid-1800s, when curlers gathered on the frozen Scugog River for friendly matches. It officially began with just 10 members and has continued to evolve, welcoming women as members in 1947, hosting a three-day bonspiel for Canada's centennial in 1967 and making its facility fully accessible.

Today, the club welcomes people of different ages and abilities, including athletes in the Special Olympics.

Whether you're a longtime curler or have never stepped onto the ice, the December 12th open house offers an opportunity to experience the sport while helping celebrate a remarkable milestone.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.