LITTLE CURRENT—Manitoulin OPP Constable Marc Hovingh fell in the line of duty five years ago while answering a call in Gore Bay, but the Island community has not forgotten him. The annual Marc Hovingh Curling Bonspiel attracted 16 teams again this year, providing an evening of camaraderie and laughter for those friends and family left behind—and raising a considerable amount of funds for a great cause.
“This event doesn’t happen without you guys being here, right?” said organizer Kyle Chandler in announcing the tournament once again has raised nearly $10,000 for Manitoulin Family Resources. “So, every year, you guys show up. It’s amazing, and that’s how we were able to pull this off.”
“Thank you so much for being here,” said Mr. Chandler. “I don’t host the event, I just facilitate some stuff. There’s a whole bunch of people: Margo (Bickell), Gord (Bickell) with the ice, the whole executive (of the Little Current Curling Club), Barb Bond and Craig Alston for getting a lot of these prizes donated. It’s been four years going, which is awesome. We missed one year, because it’s been five years since we lost Marc. Marc’s not here to serve the community, and we’re able to do it in his name, that’s phenomenal.”
“Thank you, each and every one of you, for being here,” said Mr. Hovingh’s widow Lianne. “It’s just a beautiful event. I just love the police who are here, it was really nice to see a lot of the retired police who used to work with Marc. I’m super thankful to the sponsors, the Bickell family.”
Curlers enjoyed a great evening that included a delicious meal and, as Mr. Chandler noted, the bonspiel takes place on Friday and Saturday, perfectly timed to wind up on Saturday evening.
This year, the bonspiel A title was won by Kyle Chandler, Charlie Robert, Lianne Hovingh and Allisa Begin.
All participants were invited to select items from the prize table, but it was clear that the real prize was a couple of days of good fellowship and fun, while honouring the legacy of Constable Hovingh by supporting community services. Manitoulin Family Resources is an organization that provides support for women fleeing abusive relationships and operates the Manitoulin Family Resources Food Bank.