Getting cozy with ICECORP
By Chris Simon

Members of the Innisfil Community Events Corporation pose for a photo recently.

They're responsible for many of the large scale annual parties in Innisfil.

But they're not out of control teens, or parents hosting their kid's birthday party. The 13-member Innisfil Community Events Corporation is a group of volunteers responsible for hosting many of the yearly events enjoyed by local residents. The non-profit organization puts on Summerfest, Winterfest, the annual Innisfil Santa Claus Parade and even a few concerts. They also help run a beverage tent and organize bands at Cookstown's annual Wing Ding, said ICECORP entertainment director Gord Wauchope.

"This is all volunteers, nobody gets paid for doing work," he said. "We have a lot of fun, we enjoy doing what we do. But the main thing is to help get better recreation in the town."

The organization started in earnest in 1996. Several local residents wanted to host a half day summer festival at Innisfil Beach Park, with proceeds being donated towards a new town recreation centre. The event, which featured demonstrations and other activities, quickly became popular, and lead to the creation of Winterfest in 1997. By 1999, the group was officially named ICECORP, with members since expanding their fundraising efforts. Since its founding, the group has raised over $150,000 for various recreational initiatives.

They've sponsored figure skaters, rugby players and hockey teams, and helped fund the expansion of the Innisfil Beach boat launch. The group has also helped pay for volleyball courts, a Zamboni and other improvements at Innisfil Beach, the installation of badminton nets at Alcona Glen Elementary School and the skateboard parks in Stroud and Lefroy, said Wauchope.

"It was started to raise money for recreation. At that time, it was just called Innisfil Summerfest," he said. "At the time, we were really pushing for more ice pads and soccer fields. My main goal was to push for a recreational complex for the town. It's been a great thing for the town.

"We've (also) sponsored many athletes who have gone on to other endeavours in their fields."

Funds from the Santa parade are also used to purchase gifts and necessities for needy families, said Wauchope.

However, the group's largest task remains the recreation centre. The group has pledged to raise $250,000 for the complex, and have earned $80,000 so far.

"That's where all our fundraising efforts go now," said Wauchope. "We've got $170,000 still to go. We will certainly try and (meet) the goal."

Several prominent community members have volunteered for the committee, said Wauchope.

"Many people have come and gone," he said. "There's so many people that you forget. They certainly support us in everything we do."

This year, Winterfest runs from Feb. 22 to 24, while Summerfest will take place between June 13 to 15. The group needs volunteers for its various community initiatives. For more information, call Wauchope at 436-5388.