Leduc Rec Centre raises thousands for one of their own

  • 2020-01-08
December once again proved to be the season of giving, as the staff of the Leduc Recreation Centre successfully raised $3,631 for longtime facility attendant and community booster Wally Bannik.

Bannik, a volunteer firefighter and former public service worker, was recently diagnosed with a serious illness that led his coworkers to start the Swim4Wally page on GoFundMe raising money to support him and his wife Anne. To further contributions, the Recreation Centre held dueling fundraisers, with the fitness staff putting on a Spin-a-thon and the pool crew holding a Swim-a-thon. Friendly competition between the two events helped to fuel giving, with staff members who hadn’t been in a pool for years swimming laps for the cause.

Many city employees also pitched in, whether in the form of money or logistical support for the events. Bannik stopped by to express gratitude and amazement at the effort. Local fundraisers like this can help support both individuals and larger causes, and are often supported by local businesses, whether it be catering from nearby restaurants or banner printing from local Print shops. Donors to the swimming event were able to “purchase” a lap for $5, all of which were completed by the dedicated staff and volunteers during the event on December 10.

The GoFundMe page has now closed, easily surpassing its $2,000 goal with more money coming through in-person donations.

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