For Release – MARCH 15, 2019
Darren More was always there for his community, and on February 18, the community was there for Darren.
Organizers of the event stated that more than 1,000 people attended the event, which resulted in $6,632 raised for Minto Minor Sports, Community Improvement and Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington. Funds were raised through donations from attendees who enjoyed food and activities at the Palmerston Community Centre and ball diamonds, as well as the team registrations from the Palmerston Marlins Sno Pitch tournament.
“We didn’t set goals for this event, but it was clear early on that the community was excited for Darren’s Day,” said Sarah Bowers-Peter, Program Coordinator for Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW). “It’s a testament to what Darren, and his family, mean to this community. I’m so glad we have been able to make a positive, family environment out of something that was so tragic.”
More was killed in a motor vehicle collision on July 11, 2018 when his pickup truck was struck by a stolen pickup truck. The driver of that vehicle was impaired by drugs.
More’s wife, Pam More, designated three benefactors of the proceeds from Darren’s day; Minto Minor Sports, Community Improvement and CSGW. The organizations received the funds at the March 14 meeting of the Darren’s Day Steering Committee. This is the first time this event was held, and Darren’s family was pleased the support.
“Our family was absolutely thrilled with the turnout and success of Darren’s Day,” said Pam More. “Sharing Family Day in such a fun and positive way with the community that has supported us through this tragedy was perfect. We are very happy to have raised a significant amount of funds that we are able to give back to that same community network. A huge thank you from our family goes out to all of the community partners that made this day happen.”
The donations collected at the event are already earmarked with the various community organizations.
“The funds raised for Minor Sports will help ensure that the children and youth of Minto continue to have access to a variety of programming opportunities year-round. Recreation is an important part of what makes our community ‘Where Your Family Belongs’ and we’re grateful to be a recipient of the inaugural Darren’s Day proceeds,” said Matt Lubbers, Recreation Services Manager for the Town of Minto.
“Crime Stoppers is a not for profit organization that offers a way for anyone to anonymously report a crime. As part of our commitment, we also offer awareness programs to schools, seniors, and other community groups,” said Rick Beazley, CSGW Board Chair. “We are allocating our Darren’s Day funds to eventually purchase Impairment Goggles that will help educate young people on the effects of drug and alcohol impairment when driving, and to report that activity to Crime Stoppers. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am grateful for the financial support from a caring community that will allow Crime Stoppers to continue to meet its mandate. Thank you all!”
“We are pleased to have been a part of Darren’s Day and are proud of its success. Any proceeds the Palmerston Lions receive will go directly into further advancements of playground equipment and splash pad betterment,” said Fred Smith 1ST Vice President of the Palmerston Lions Club.
At the Darren’s Day Steering Committee meeting on March 14, family and organizers decided that Darren’s Day will return next year.
“Even that day, we had people coming up to us and say, ‘When you do this next year…” which we took to mean that they were having so much fun, they were already looking forward to coming back,” said Bowers-Peter. “This is a testament to all the volunteers who gave freely of their time to make sure it was an amazing day.”
The event was a result of the collaboration between Crime Stopper Guelph Wellington, Minto Fire Service, Palmerston Marlins, Palmerston Lions Club, Town of Minto and Wellington County OPP.
