Cars fanned out across Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday as Red Roof Retreat’s scavenger hunt raised about $50,000 toward building a new facility.
The third annual rally, starting and ending at the retreat’s Concession 6 property, marked the final event before crews demolish the current facility to make way for a 5,700-square-foot accessible building. Organizers say community support is essential, as the $4-million project relies entirely on donations.
“It’s pretty exciting, but it’s funny because we’re ending on such a positive note, and then it’s going to be kind of melancholy and sad when we take the place down,” said Steffanie Bjorgan, founder of Red Roof Retreat.
Twenty cars followed 25 clues across Old Town, Virgil, St. Davids and Queenston. Each stop required teams to take photos or complete small tasks, from tracking down landmarks to having a nail painted at a local spa.
Board member Jon Taylor, who crafted all the questions for the scavenger hunt, said the event’s mix of competition and “unusual” fundraising is what keeps people coming back.
“Typically it’s dinners or golf or cocktails. But this is a contest and people love it. They say it’s the best”
Taylor said the event has grown steadily, raising $25,000 in its first year, $35,000 in its second and about $50,000 this year.
For many people in attendance, the rally was more than just a game. Betty Knight, who joined with her husband, James, said supporting Red Roof feels personal. She was more than willing to pay the $500 entrance fee.
“They’ve got to raise four million odd dollars and each one of these cars represents $500 in that direction.”
James Knight called Red Roof central to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s spirit.
“They live at the heart of our community. If we don’t take care of the people who need the help the most, then we’re not a good community. That’s the beginning and the end, right?”
The expansion will replace the retreat’s small bungalow with a purpose-built space for day programs, camps and respite care. Plans also call for preserving and upgrading the iconic red barn and adding a covered pavilion for outdoor activities year-round.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, pending permits, with hopes of opening by late 2026. In the meantime, programming will continue at Kevan’s House on Concession 2 and at Cornerstone Church on Hunter Road.
“Every dollar counts,” Taylor said. “This place serves a very unique need in our community. There’s no government support. It’s all self-funded through donations.”
Donations can be made online through Red Roof Retreat’s website.
