A special curling bonspiel in Alexandria on Saturday, December 6, raised $16,773 for ALS Canada to help people with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Curling for Cameron was organized by family and friends of Cameron McCormick of Vankleek Hill. McCormick is retired from Ontario Hydro/Hydro One and was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in the spring of 2025. McCormick also coached minor hockey and continues to serve as Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus St. Finnan’s Council 10640. McCormick’s wife Janice is retired from Scotiabank in Vankleek Hill.
ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. People diagnosed with this disease end up losing almost all control over themselves physically. There are few effective treatments for ALS and no cure. According to the ALS Society of Canada, more than 200,000 people around the world are living with ALS. An estimated 4,000 Canadians are currently living with ALS, and each year, approximately 1,000 Canadians die from ALS. A similar number of Canadians are diagnosed with ALS each year.
According to one of McCormick’s sons, Cameron McCormick Jr., the idea for Curling for Cameron came from a longtime family friend, Patti McLeod. From there, organizing began with the help of extended family and friends. The result was a full day of curling, good food, entertainment, and socializing to raise money to help people with ALS.
Cameron Jr. and his brother Kyle live near Vankleek Hill. Their sister Morgan Borsellino lives with her husband Kevin and their four children in Wendover. Cameron Sr.’s diagnosis has been an adjustment for the entire family. Kyle checks on his parents two or three times each day and is thankful his employer allows so much flexibility to attend to family.
“He goes to my parents place every morning to help with my Dad,” Cameron Jr. said.
The organizers and the McCormick family were amazed by the results of Curling for Cameron. Indeed, it was standing room only inside the hall at the Alexandria Curling Club on Saturday afternoon with a combination of curlers and many others who had stopped by to show their support. A total of 44 businesses, organizations, and individuals were sponsors or contributed silent auction and door prize items. There were 72 curlers on 18 teams, and an additional 85 tickets were sold in advance for dinner.
The Review was pleased to sponsor Curling for Cameron and encourages area residents to support ALS Canada. Donations may be made at www.als.ca.
Photos: James Morgan
