Looking back over 2012 I am pleasantly surprised at what SAM has accomplished for charities. It was a very busy year, with SAM hosting the 2012 International Snowmobile Congress in Sturbridge. Most of our efforts were focused on promoting the best Congress we could and we surpassed that goal. One of the programs was the “Pink Flamingo” hospitality. One could purchase a $5 pink flamingo that allowed access to the hospitality room for free drinks and snacks. A total of $1,100 was raised for the American Cancer Society.
Winter Coat Drive
Another charity event was a last minute idea, but a good one. With the Expo selling winter gear we thought it would be a great opportunity to collect quality winter clothes to benefit kids who might not have a nice winter coat or pants. Research revealed that most other collections were geared towards young children and that older kids were in greater need.
Between the Expo and the BGL swap meet a total of 37 coats were donated, washed, dried and delivered to Big Brother/Big Sisters. They were very appreciative and many teenagers will get some very nice coats. Next year we hope to make it bigger and better.
Next we concentrated on our Toys for Tots fundraiser.
As usual the snowmobile community met the challenge. At the December SAM meeting approximately 150 toys were donated, along with $340, giving those kids who may not have had any presents under the tree a special Christmas. These donations were delivered to the Oak Ridge Detachment Marine Corps League stationed in Bernardston, from which they will be distributed all over the state. A huge thanks to those who donated for this very special cause.
Last but not least is our signature SAM charity, Camp Sno-Mo.
This Easter Seals camp allows children with severe disabilities to go to camp for a week. They get to enjoy all those activities you and I remember as a kid. Swimming, hiking, archery, campfires, etc. All these fun things can be experienced with the constant attention of a camp counselor by their side.
We put out the challenge for clubs to bring in a $30 check. If we get 100% cooperation we will be able to send one child from MA to Camp Sno-Mo. If you know of any child that might benefit from this camp please contact me or your local Easter Seals organization. Let’s all try to meet this challenge and send a child off for some summer fun.
Just one last reminder…
Please keep track of your charitable giving and volunteer hours spent clearing the trails. Any non-reimbursed hours working on the trails can be counted towards our charity totals for the year.
Also, if your clubs give to other organizations or help in other charities please keep track of those. All these are totaled at the end of the year and are sent to our National Charity Chair and combined with other state associations. These are used to send the message to our governments that we are a great group of people who make a positive difference on our communities. It goes a long way in getting legislation passed that benefits our sport. A form will be available in March to fill out and return, so totals can be processed and sent in April.
We are an amazing group of people who care about issues concerning our neighbors and community. When the call goes out we respond. Thank you for making 2012 a wonderful year for charity. We are looking forward to adding a food drive at our Annual Meeting. Stay tuned for more information.
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