Prince Edward Curling Club’s annual 24-hour Curl-A-Thon to support Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build Campaign is back.

The local curling club is planning a continuous curling game, spanning 24 hours that will commence at noon on Saturday Jan. 27 and wrap up at noon on Sunday Jan. 28, 2023.

Organizers keep a running tally for bragging rights. The top three fundraisers are eligible for prizes.

“The event builds community spirit, fosters friendly competition and helps to build our new hospital in Picton,” said Curling Club executive member Ron Stakes.

“Last year’s event raised over of $51,000. This year, considering the current economic situation our goal is a little more modest at $35,000 but we won’t stop trying to top last year’s result.”

Participants are welcome to sign up as individuals and placed on a team by the event organizer. Alternately, participants can sign up as a team of four players (Minimum $400 in pledges) or sign up two teams of 4 players (Minimum $800 in pledges) who want to play together in their two-hour time slot.

“Our goal is to have a minimum 96 curlers participate,” Mr. Stakes added.

The event is open to current club members as well as members of the community at large and all players must be 18 years of age or older.

Previous curling experience isn’t necessary. New curlers will receive a brief introduction to the sport as well as use of the club’s equipment (broom, gripper, and slider, as needed). Footwear can be either curling shoes or clean indoor footwear such as running shoes.

The club recommends all curlers use head protection and all non-club members must sign a waiver.

Registration opened on the Club’s website pecurling.com on Nov. 27, 2023. Participants will be able to chose their time slots based on a first-come, first served basis.

Early registrants will be able to select their own time slots and every person registered before 20 Dec. 2023 are entered into an early bird draw.

For more information please email [email protected]