Included in the group of 10 women on the 2016 Prairie Women On Snowmobiles are two women from the Pelly-Norquay area.
Holly Hudye, who lives on a farm between Pelly and Norquay, and Kelly Kim Rea of Pelly will be on the 2016 tour that will begin in Prince Albert on January 31 and, after stops in Norquay and Canora as well as many other communities along the way, will end up six days later in Broadview.
Prairie Women On Snowmobiles (PWOS) is a non-profit organization whose annual Missions are provincial awareness events that are designed to focus attention on breast cancer and the recreation of snowmobiling as well as raise the much-needed funds for breast cancer research.
PWOS has contributed 100 per cent of the funds raised in the past 15 Missions for research, raising more than $2.3 million to date, said information from the group. Each Mission consists of a group of 10 volunteer snowmobilers who travel across Saskatchewan, passing through many cities and towns and covering approximately 1,800 kilometres.
“Volunteerism is the whole picture of PWOS women dedicating their time, resources, and sleds to help make the Missions so successful,” the information said.
“I grew up sledding in the mountains around Canmore until I was 16,” Rea said, adding that she is a rural municipal administrator and lives in Pelly with three children, Tashia, Josh and Wyatt “and all of my fur babies as well.
“I had left the sport of snowmobiling until four years ago and got hooked on it once again; all it took was one ride,” she said. “I bought my old sled and hit the trails, never looking back!
“I have a new love for winter and will never give this up again.”
Rea said that she had applied for the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles 2016 mission because “it combines something that I love and a very worthwhile cause that is dear to my heart, and I get the privilege of doing it with one of my best friends. What more can a girl ask for?
“I love that 10 strong women are picked each year to do this mission and that 100 per cent of the funds that are raised goes to cause,” she said. “That pride that Saskatchewan has is unbelievable.
“I am a cancer survivor, not breast cancer but still the big C,” she said. “I have been cancer free for 18 years. I am riding this year for my brother-in-law Dennis, who is currently fighting his own battle with breast cancer. He has a rare and very aggressive form that currently has no cure, and the treatments that he took extended his life only from three to five years.
“I am honoured to be able to be a part of finding a cure and hopefully we do that before time runs out for anyone fighting this terrible disease. I know from experience that cancer is not only fought by the one who has been diagnosed, but by everyone who loves him or her.
“It is becoming far too frequent that people are being diagnosed and it is time to have a cure instead of treatments and extended life expectancies.
“I am so excited to hit the trail and ride across this wonderful province meeting all the strong, proud people who have dealt with or are dealing with breast cancer, with the people who have sponsored the ride, and the supporters of the cause,” she said.
Holly Hudye, who lives on a farm between Norquay and Pelly with her husband, Dan and son Justin, said she was “very honoured and excited to be chosen as a core rider for Mission 2016 because, like most people, cancer has directly affected my life.
“I am a cervical cancer survivor, lost my dad to throat cancer and an aunt to stomach and rectal cancer,” Hudye said. “My nephew also lost his wife at a very young age, leaving two young children.
“I am a retired medical laboratory technologist and being a member of the health care profession, I have seen many people fall victim to this horrible disease.”
Hudye said she has been snowmobiling since a very young age and has always had “an absolute passion for the sport.
“As a family, we love the outdoors and when we aren’t at work, we love to snowmobile, quad, camp and fish.
“I am very honoured to be part of the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles because I now can combine a passion for what I love doing, and promote an excellent cause at the same time.
“There are more and more breast cancer survivors now then there were in the past, which clearly shows the great work these gals, and everyone involved with this organization, do.
“I ask that you support this great cause.”
Hudye and Rea, who as members of the tour have agreed to raise at least $3,000 each, have organized events in the area to raise funds in support of breast cancer. They held a wing night fundraiser at Sandy Beach in August and everyone is invited to attend a ribs or chicken supper at Rawhides Restaurant in Stenen on December 7.
Tickets may be purchased by contacting Hudye or Rea.
“We have also decaled my sled with the names of supporters who have donated $100 or more,” Rea said. “That wrap is going to stay on my sled forever and everyone will be able to see it for years to come.
“We are inviting everyone who can to come out to see us and hear all the ladies’ stories and watch the pinning ceremony when we come though this area.”
Following is the 2016 itinerary: Day one (January 31), Prince Albert, Birch Hills, Kinistino, Melfort and Naicam; Day two, Naicam, Archerwill, Kelvington, Invermay and Preeceville; Day three, Preeceville, Norquay, Canora, Good Spirit and Yorkton; Day four, Yorkton, Ituna, Balcarres, Cupar and Fort Qu'Appelle; Day five, Fort Qu'Appelle, Indian Head, Wolseley, Montmarte and Kipling, and Day six (February 5), Kipling, Stoughton, Windthorst and Broadview.
Prairie Women On Snowmobiles was formed when two friends, one a breast cancer survivor, decided to snowmobile across Saskatchewan to raise funds for breast cancer research, said the information on PWOS. Together the two planned, organized and implemented PWOS.
The goal since conception is to have this Mission go across Saskatchewan each and every year to raise the funding for breast cancer research, the information said. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women.
“You do not have to ride a snowmobile or even own one to be a member! If you want to support PWOS, you are welcome to join,” it said.
Mission 2015 raised a total of $142,931, which was $113,250 for Canadian Cancer Society and $29,681 for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency that will be used for the purchase of equipment, it said. “In the last three years PWOS have contributed over $50,000 to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
The Kamsack Cancer Self Help Group will be holding its annual fundraiser at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on January 27 when soup and sandwiches will be sold and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the PWOS. The event includes a raffle draw for a queen-size quilt. The Kamsack group, which plans to have a representative meet the snowmobilers in Norquay or Canora, has contributed to the PWOS every year it has been held.
Persons wishing to contribute to the PWOS may do so by contacting Rea or Hudye or by going to the organization’s website and search for their profiles.
