The Port Alberni Funtastic Sports Society recently held its annual charity event, where $37,000 was donated to local non-profits and community groups.
The funds were raised at this year's Canada Day long weekend Okee Dokee Slo-Pitch Tournament and Funtastic Music Festival. According to Paul Robertson, Funtastic executive director, all the fund were donated to back to sports, music and quality of life groups.
Recipients were the Zattzoo Project, Read & Feed Breakfast Program, the Backpack Program, Alberni Valley Minor Hockey, John Howitt School Sports, the Navy League, U19 Ladies Fastpitch, the ADSS Athletic Fund, Community First Aid Trailer, Port Alberni Scouts, Alberni Valley Junior Baseball, Port Alberni Special Olympics, Port Alberni Kinsmen, the Port Alberni Toy Run, Pathways and CMHA Port Alberni.
Since 2013, Funtastic Alberni has donated more than $265,000 to various groups in the Alberni Valley.
Mike Watt won the West Coast Getaway Package put together by some of Funtastic's sponsors. The Wayne Demoskoff Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Jim Groenendyk. Groenendyk is a two-time winner, and he also won Toy Run Volunteer of the Year award last year.
"He went over and above this year donating his time," explained Robertson. "On behalf of our board of directors thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, players and fans for supporting our event year in, and year out."
The 35th annual Okee Dokee Slo-Pitch Tournament and Funtastic Music Festival dates are set for June 28 to 30, 2025.