Community members in the Straits set out for the 24th annual Janeway snowmobile ride on March 17, as around 40 registered snow machines made the loop from Sandy Cove to Main Brook and back.
The annual event raises money to go towards the Janeway Children's Hospital in order to provide new health care equipment and enhanced care, as well as the local Lion's Club, which organizes the ride.
Mary Ann White, one of the event organizers, said there was another good turn out this year, despite some people staying off the trails due to weather concerns and a change in venue from Tuckamore Lodge to the Community Hall in Main Brook.
Total registered machines were approximately 83 said Ms. White.
"The day went over really well. It was a really good day and the riders really enjoyed the ride."
"Everyone was a little bit hesitant because they thought that it was going to be a bit too icy and not a good ride but they said it was really good actually."
The Come Home Year Committee in Main Brook, which is planning for their Come Home Year this summer, hosted the registered riders with a lunch after the approximately 70 kilometre journey from Sandy Cove.
Riders came back to the Lion's Club in Sandy Cove to draw for prizes, which included a new skidoo jacket, skill saw, $100 voucher at a local shop and other prizes donated from local area businesses.
The kitchen at the Lion's Club was run by the Anglican Church Women in Sandy Cove, who provided breakfast, soup, sandwiches and hamburgers throughout the day.
The Pumper Boys from St. Anthony provided live entertainment all through the evening.
Participants had to pay a minimum $20 registration fee and Janeway buttons were sold to raise funds.
Lynn Sparkes, Executive Director of the Janeway, said that support like this goes a long way for children in need.
"When we have community groups such as this group doing the Janeway snowmobile ride, what that means to us is that the level of care that we give the children now has been enhanced because we can buy the latest, the best - nothing but the very, very best.
"It enhances the care that our children receive and it's because of community efforts like this one that help us tremendously."
Ms. Sparkes said that sometimes community fundraisers have a ripple effect and other people may see the great work they do, spurring them on to become involved in raising funds as well.
Fundraisers don't have to worry about their money going towards paying salaries and office costs for the Janeway either.
All of the funds raised go directly to patient care and new equipment said Ms. Sparkes.
"All the priority needs, that's where the money goes.
"There's no such thing as second best around here - nothing but the best for our children."
Next year will be the event's silver year and they are hoping to make the quarter century anniversary a memorable one.
Ms. White said they have "big plans but there are no concrete ideas about how to make it special yet.
"I would say that will be in the planning stages early in the fall. It is the 25th so we hope to make it a really, really good one."
Mary Ann is an honorary member of the Lion's Club and her husband, Calvin White, has been the treasurer for three years.
She praised the Lion's Club for their strong community support.
"Well I mean, it's all we have here in our community is the Lion's Club.
"Besides our Anglican Church Women, the Lion's Club is the main body that keeps this community together."
She said that the Lion's Club has grown a lot in the past few years and that the progress made has been amazing.
Ms. Sparkes also commended the organization for taking such a good initiative.
"It's fantastic.
"Its rides like this that help us give the care to the children that they need and they deserve."
