HAMILTON, Ontario — The Hamilton Bassmasters hosted its fourth annual Spring Fishing Swap and Sale, March 23, and helped raise money for a local child with a urinary disorder.
“It started as an event for Hamilton Bassmasters to swap/sell fishing gear among the members,” said Jason Barnucz, Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation conservation director. “But it has grown into an annual tradition for hundreds of citizens in the Hamilton area.”
This year’s event included a youth display with a casting area.
“This booth was inspired by the Hamilton Bassmasters youth directors, Alex Pinheiro and Shelley Langley,” said Barnucz. “Through the help of chapter members, Alex and Shelley manufactured some very realistic targets including docks and a large wooden smallmouth bass.”
Justin Bojin, a local fan with prune belly syndrome, is the beneficiary of the fundraising.
“Justin has become a regular figure at Hamilton Bassmasters events,” said Barnucz. “Justin suffers from a rare disorder of the urinary system. Justin’s parents are fundraising so Justin can attend the Prune Belly Syndrome Network Convention this summer. The Hamilton Bassmasters stepped up again to help Justin’s fundraising efforts.
“The chapter’s membership asked many of the vendors at the Swap and Sale event to donate product to Justin’s cause. All donations were pooled together and chapter members sold raffle tickets to the more than 800 people who attended the event.”
These efforts raised more than half of what Bojin needs to attend the upcoming conference.
“It was a proud moment for the Hamilton Bassmasters to help Justin this much,” said Barnucz. “The chapter is not done yet. We hope to help Justin reach his goal of $2,000.”
To make a contribution to the Bojin family, click here.