- This event has passed.
The Great Lighthouse Rescue
On June 28, thirteen groups of castaways, representing agencies supported by United Way, will find themselves stranded out at the breakwater Lighthouse on Lake Superior. In order for each of the thirteen crews to be rescued and brought back safely to Prince Arthur’s Landing, they must send out an S.O.S. for donations.
To help ‘fuel’ the mission, long-time United Way supporter Cliff Friesen has agreed to serve as Honorary Commander of Operation Lighthouse Rescue. In turn, Hon. Cdr. Friesen is challenging business and community leaders to join in the rescue and come onboard as Honorary Captains and help raise funds to undertake one of the 13 rescue operations. Hon. Cdr. Friesen will match all funds donated up to $25,000.
The actual rescues will be executed by the Royal Canadian Navy and the gallant sailors of HMCS Griffon. Honorary Captains and rescue crews will have the opportunity join HMCS Griffon personnel aboard a 24ft Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat and go out to the Lighthouse to rescue the stranded agency castaways and return them safely to the marina – along with a few high-speed turns and evasive maneuvers as they speed across the harbour!
Rescues will be undertaken from Pier 3 throughout the day, starting at 11 am until approximately 5:30 pm. Members of the public are invited to come down to Marina Park to cheer on and support the agency castaways and courageous captains.
The Great Lighthouse Rescue event will also include a community BBQ, high-powered binoculars to observe the rescue missions from shore, a photo area, United Way and HMCS swag booths, and other local vendors.
All funds donated will go to support crucial community programming and services to meet the needs of local people.
