$2,500 raised at fish fry for RR House

By Jack Elliott
Contributor

In the last month a number of landmarks have been achieved on our Rainy River Locum Housing project.
The final initial public information session was held at Bergland. Over 50 residents attended the very positive forum where once again details of construction and the need for Rainy River House were discussed in depth. Thank you to Joanne Moen, Pat Giles and Dr. Singleton for their organization. It was announced a recruitment committee has also been struck to help fill the permanent doctor position left vacant by the recent resignation of Dr. Chu.
Over the last week Big Grassy First Nation, Lake of the Woods Municipality, Dawson Municipality, and The Town of Rainy River have finalized their participation in the Rainy River House project with an official agreement. Purchase of the property is in the final legal phase, and a ground breaking ceremony will be held within days.
Fund raising is coming along well with the mailing of the information sheet and pledge forms to all residents of the west Rainy River District this past week. Many have been filled in and returned and an update on the fund will be announced next week. The ‘Fishing for Doctors’ fish fry sponsored by current and retired CN employees during RailRoad Daze on Friday, July 15 raised over $2,500.00 through ticket sales. Contributions from the CN Railroaders in the Community, a CN programme recognizing volunteer efforts of CN Alumni, will add additional substantial dollars over the year.
“I would like to thank all the guys and their wives for their grand response to the ‘Fishing for Doctors’ event. And I would particularly like to express our heartfelt thank you to Big Grassy First Nation for their generous donation of all the walleye for the fry. It was delicious!” stated Vaughn Murray who was instrumental in getting his fellow CN comrades together.