The Vankleek Hill Curling Club’s biggest event of the season broke records, raising $28,850!

The Heart Institute Bonspiel returned as a full event on Saturday, February 11 after being on hiatus for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2023 bonspiel was the eighth time the event has been held.

Club President Don MacNaughton said it was great to have everyone together again.

| “It’s just overwhelming,” he commented.

The institute’s Women@Heart Program Ambassador Marion Martell said the funds raised at Vankleek Hill will contribute to:

  • the institute’s research efforts
  • development of less invasive heart surgery
  • heart health programs for women
    • This photo was taken by journalist James Morgan. It is of a large bunch of people socializing at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club on February 11. They are sitting and standing at tables to enjoy a smoked meat sandwich while the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Bonspiel was taking place.
      Many people stopped by the Vankleek Hill Curling Club to make a donation and enjoy a smoked meat sandwich.
    • This is a photo taken by James Morgan of the winning team at the Bonspiel holding their trophy, from left to right, Lead Sandra Robinson, Skip Kyla Burwash, Second Sandra Cummings, and Third/Vice Ashton MacDonald.
      The winning team at the Bonspiel. Left to right, Lead Sandra Robinson, Skip Kyla Burwash, Second Sandra Cummings, and Third/Vice Ashton MacDonald.
    • This photo was taken by Journalist James Morgan and shows some people curling during the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Bonspiel at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club on February 11.
      Lots of competition during the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Bonspiel.
    • Desjardins Securities is a long-time sponsor of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Bonspiel in Vankleek Hill. The firm contributed $1,000 on February 11. Photo: James Morgan
      Desjardins Securities is a long-time sponsor of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Bonspiel in Vankleek Hill.

    Photos: James Morgan

    | “I want to thank this community for everything you do for the heart institute,” Martell said.

    The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Bonspiel is curling for a good cause.

    Among the 20 teams which competed, the winning team was led by Skip Kyla Burwash, Third/Vice Ashton MacDonald, Second Sandra Cummings, and Lead Sandra Robinson.

    Out of the total raised at the bonspiel, $14,425 came from donations received from individuals, businesses, and team registration fees. People who weren’t curling dropped by the club throughout the day to make a donation and enjoy the smoked meat sandwiches club members were serving in the kitchen. Desjardins Securities, a longtime major sponsor of the bonspiel, contributed $1,000. The $14,425 was matched by an anonymous donor, bringing the total to $28,850.

    | “I’d like to thank everybody. We broke a record this year,” said Pitt Paquette, who co-organizes the bonspiel with Bruce MacNaughton.

    Over eight years, the bonspiel in Vankleek Hill has raised $131,725 for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.