Aaron Featherling of Cranbrook and Tracy Grove of Claresholm, Alta., beat out more than 2,000 other hopefuls to become the lucky winners of a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A third winner, Seth Gilsdorf of Creston, walked away with a $1,000 Harley-Davidson gift certificate.

The draw, which concluded the 2016 Harley-Davidson Fundraising Raffle, happened on December 26 in the Kimberley Platzl. Mayor Lee Pratt of Cranbrook and Kimberley city councillor Darryl Oakley were on-hand to draw the names of the winners – along with Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society directors, volunteers and staff – while dozens of ticket purchasers awaited the big news with fingers crossed.

“This event is driven by the generosity of Harley-Davidson of the Kootenays and Harley Owners Group – Kootenay Chapter and we can’t thank them enough for their continued support of our organization through the sponsorship of this amazing charitable raffle,” said Jeanne Davidson, executive director of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society.

This is the fourth consecutive year Harley-Davidson of the Kootenays has held an annual raffle of their iconic motorcycles with proceeds benefiting the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society, which offers support services to individuals and their families who are dealing with death and dying. Close to $90,000 has been raised by the raffle for the charitable organization since 2013.

“On behalf of the board of directors I would like to thank all our sponsors as well as our dedicated staff and determined volunteers, who give their time and talent to ensure the event’s continued success,” said Terry Segarty, president of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society. “Thank you to Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett for his ongoing support and advocacy of the hospice society over the years, as well as Mayor Lee Pratt, Mayor Don McCormick and the Regional District of the East Kootenay.”

Valued 2016 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Raffle sponsors and supporters include: Harley-Davidson of the Kootenays; Harley Owners Group – Kootenay Chapter; Tamarack Centre; Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre; ABC Country Restaurant; Hospice fundraising committee chair Don Davidson; Overwaitea Foods, Kimberley; Marysville Pub and Grill; Real Canadian Superstore; CUPE, Cranbrook; Karen Grant, ticket sales organizer, hospice society.

“The loss of a loved one is difficult to deal with and the trained volunteers at the hospice society help us through that very difficult time,” says Mayor Don McCormick. “They provide this needed service on a very small budget. The hospice society is an important part of our community — we are fortunate to have them here.”

The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society is a registered non-profit organization that provides comfort to individuals with terminal illness and support to their loved ones. All services provided by Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society are free of charge. Funds raised help to support the programming, training and coordination of hospice and bereavement services.

“The Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society is such a valuable contributor to the community of Kimberley and for that we are all thankful to the volunteers who make this work possible,” stated Norm Macdonald, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA. “It has been an honour to work with the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society over the last many years.”

Lead image: On Dec. 26 community members and elected officials representing both Cranbrook and Kimberley gathered to draw the three winners of the 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle raffle.
 Photo by Stan Saliken

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