Party at the last pit stop

The monumental ride of the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles ended with hope and heart in Big River

people gathered around in front of a cabin
The 2010 Prairie Women on Snowmobiles escape the cold weather with a warm welcome in Big River on the final leg of their journey. Barry Nontell photo

One of the most moving sights during the winter in Saskatchewan must surely be the line of 10 core snowmobiling women with Prairie Women on Snowmobiles (PWOS) —along with their pit crew and local supporters—circling the province for 10 days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

This year on their 10th run, the final stop was in the community of Big River at the Timberland Motel, which is owned by Clarice Hunter—herself a rider in 2009—and her husband Barry Nontell. Hunter said the evening was one she’ll never forget, particularly because the community of 800 stepped up to the plate to raise money.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to say that we cleared $12,000,” said Hunter. “It’s really rewarding, I’ll tell you.”

This year, PWOS raised almost $203,000, for a grand 10-year total of more than $1.4 million raised for breast cancer research.

“This is a great organization,” said Hunter. “I wanted to make the night special for them, and I think we did.”

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