MANITOULIN—There are members in the community whose passing leaves an outsized hole that can rarely, if ever, be filled. Such a man was Todd ‘TC’ Corbiere. Mr. Corbiere succumbed to the cancer that he so valiantly battled at the all-too-young age of 60 in August 2022, but his friends and community refuse to let the legacy of his outsized heart and spirit be forgotten.
In 2023, the Manitoulin Snowdusters snowmobile club inaugurated a memorial poker run in memory of the popular Honora Bay mechanic and this year the poker run is making a return.
“This is to recognize TC for all he did for everybody,” said organizer and friend Chris Laidley, who is credited by the club with coming up with the concept. “He helped out people without a second thought, including kids to continue their education in the trades. He was well-known and well-liked.”
“I just thought a poker chip run might be a good idea and I knew that the Snowdusters were looking for different fundraising ideas,” said Mr. Laidley. He explained a poker chip run is not like a typical poker run where you will stop at a business location and draw a card for a poker hand. In this version, you get a different coloured poker chip and the colour determines the number of points.
“ Over the last couple years, there have been people go to every location, but someone who went to less businesses had a better score,” said Mr. Laidley, “it all depends on which colour of poker chip you draw, and its end value. Obviously, the more places you visit would dictate that you should have a better score. Also, if you make a purchase at the businesses, you qualify for double points, or if you visit the business twice on different days, you qualify for double points as well.”
“There are 38 businesses you can visit,” he said. “Businesses taking part are anywhere between Birch Island, Killarney, South Bay Mouth and Meldrum Bay, so they are spread out over the area.”
“The Snowdusters want to thank the businesses that have signed up to take part, as well as all those who have donated prizes for the event,” continued Mr. Laidley. “And a big shout out to Kate, Todd’s wife, who put forward the idea of having a portion of the funds going to a student bursary in memory of Todd. The rest of the proceeds will go into prizes and funds for snowmobile trails.”
Even though he has passed on, TC Corbiere is still lending a helping hand to the Manitoulin Community.
Packages/hands can be picked up at Laidley Stationery & Office Furniture, Loco Beanz in Little Current or Manitowaning, Harbor Vue Marina or 540 Ends in Meldrum Bay. The cost is $20 per package/hand.
“There is also a dinner also taking place on the final day when we will determine the winners on February 28 at 5:30 pm at JD Garden Centre in Tehkummah,” said Mr. Laidley. “They will be serving salad, chicken and ribs, vegetables, potatoes and a desert table. The cost for the dinner $60 per person, that includes taxes and tip. The other option is you can e-tranfer me the funds at laidley67@gmail.com and I can email you everything you require. Just please include your email address.”
