In his time of need, Malcolm “Mouse” McKenzie has been shown by his family, friends, and fellow ropers, that he can rely on them.
On Thursday evening, the LDL arena near Boscombe was abuzz with activity, in the thundering of horses’ hooves, and the multitude of ropers gathered to compete within an exceptionally short notice for a worthy cause.
Ropers from the area gathered to participate in a team roping jackpot fundraiser. The event was held to raise money to help McKenzie, who was bucked off a horse at another roping jackpot. McKenzie suffered a broken neck and remains in hospital.
Lisa Dunlop, an organizer of the roping event, said those involved managed to get everything together and planned out for the fundraiser in the span of just one day.
“The turnout and support from everyone has been just unreal. A lot of people volunteered to come out and help. Everyone working here is a volunteer,” said Dunlop.
She said that while planning the event was stressful, “everything came together well. This usually isn’t the kind of thing you do in a day.”
Over 60 ropers organized themselves into over 300 different teams to perform and compete, chasing calves across the arena. The event raised a total of just over $34,000 for McKenzie and his family.
The total was comprised of participants’ winnings, auction money, cattle stock charges, concession money, and miscellaneous donations. In addition to the roping, the event featured a live and silent auction with donated items from around the community.
“This is the kind of group we are. We’ve been roping together for years. People get together to help out when others are in need. It can happen in days, everyone drops what they’re doing to make a difference,” said Malcolm Nowosad, one of the participating ropers.
“Guaranteed, if I win the cheque, I’ll donate it all back to him. Everyone wants to wish Mouse a quick recovery. There’s not a person out here who wouldn’t help him if given a call for help.”
Bruce Etherington, echoed similar sentiments.
“Anyone who knows Mouse knows he’d be the first out here, if anyone else were in need. Cowboys come together in times of need. It’s very impressive, and not unexpected knowing who he is, and what he’s about.”
Results from last week’s jackpot are:
Harley Ann Deelew and Dillon Graham - $1,100
Skyler Sargent and Whitney Banks - $910
Daryl Nykolyn and Gilles Melanson - $720
Jen Dunlop and Trent Kapfhamer -$532
Alex McKenzie and Dave Boorse - $343
6. Jeff Hallwachs and Lucas Duncan - $190
Darwin Routhier and Kyle Pushie - $1,990
Dirk McCarroll and Clay Ullery - $1,630
TJ Pushie and Doug Irwin - $1,280
Brandon Bowers and Kevin Oester - $923
TJ Pushie and Orrin Ellis - $570
Kevin Chipeur and Kody Potts - $355
Dexter Keith and Kody Potts - $213
Alex Hoolahan and Steven Oldenburg - $142
