Baie D’Urfé Curling Club

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

More than 120 people packed the Baie D’Urfé Curling Club recently for the 12th annual Shindig, a fundraiser that has become a signature event for cancer care support in the West Island.

The night was spearheaded by Jim Morrison, whose dedication to collecting bottles and organizing community initiatives has raised over $700,000 for West Island Community Shares (WICC) since he began his efforts twelve years ago.

All proceeds from the Shindig and Morrison’s year-round bottle collection campaigns are donated to WICC, where the funds are directed to cancer care for local residents.

The motivation behind Morrison’s work is personal: he lost both his father and uncle to cancer within three months of each other, a loss that spurred him to take action. “After losing both my father and uncle, I knew I had to do something,” Morrison said to The Suburban. “It’s not just about collecting bottles, but about building something meaningful together.”

The Shindig has grown from a small gathering into a highly anticipated community event. This year, guests enjoyed music from the Electric Street Band and a meal courtesy of Cunningham’s Pub, with owner Jim Beauchamp playing a hands-on role both behind the scenes and as a supporter of the cause.

Dan Montpetit, one of Morrison’s longtime helpers, described the effort involved in supporting the initiative. “I found out he was doing that and I wanted to help out because it’s a good cause. I don’t work anymore and he needs help. He brings many people to this event,” Montpetit told The Suburban. Recently, he drove 1,087 bottles to Vankleek Hill, since certain bottle returns are not yet accepted in Quebec.

Melanie James, a member of a local Gin Club, told The Suburban that her group routinely saves bottles for Morrison’s fundraising. “We are appreciative of everything Jim does and want to help raise money as much as possible for his cause.”

The event also drew the support of West Island Community Shares Executive Director Meagan Somerville and Baie D’Urfé Mayor Heidi Ektvedt. “For the price of dinner, we contribute to a great cause,” Ektvedt said to The Suburban, highlighting the accessibility of giving back through community events.

Morrison was quick to acknowledge the many contributors who make the Shindig possible, including Jim Beauchamp, Robert Read, Greg Mate, Wayne Clasper, Colette Prieur, Patty Ciccone, Kevin Raftery, and the Electric Street Band.

The final fundraising total from this year’s Shindig will be announced later this week. For Morrison and those who attend, the event remains a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a cause that touches so many. n