Some teams solved clues. Others plunged into Lake Ontario.
That was all part of the challenge Saturday as 20 teams raced around Niagara-on-the-Lake for Red Roof Retreat’s annual Road Rally, a scavenger hunt that raised a $75,000 for the respite care organization.
This comes after the non-profit organization crossed the finish line its $4.3-million fundraising campaign to build a new, larger facility, set to open this January.
The fourth annual event featured 25 clues dreamed up by organizer Jon Taylor, with teams completing photo, video and action challenges before time ran out.
“It’s not just about tricky, it’s about how much you committed to it,” Taylor said.
And some teams committed more than others.
Several participants ended up taking a dip in Lake Ontario to complete clue 8, including Christina Jeffries of Team 1.
“It was really rocky, that was the hardest part. The water itself was fine,” Jeffries said.
For Hamish Shaw and the Red Roofers, clue 17 proved more difficult.
“Jon Taylor has a twin of these. And strangely enough, Jon is also this type of engineer,” the clue read.
The answer — Minor Brothers — stumped Team 17.
The Red Roofers nevertheless walked away with the prize for best outfit thanks to their roof-shaped headgear.
Last year, the team finished second and won best outfit despite suffering a flat tire.
This time around, they came prepared with a strategy.
“We saved time by not going to far-out destinations,” Shaw said.
Taylor said the lighthearted competition is part of what keeps people coming back year after year.
“It’s competitive, but it’s not crazy competitive,” he said. “It’s moving the needle.”
That competition also translated into a major fundraising boost for Red Roof Retreat.
Founder Steffanie Bjorgan said the organization hit its fundraising goal this fall to finance the rebuilding of its main respite care facility on Concession 6 Road, which is reopening this January.
However, the $75,000 raised through Road Rally will allow it to comfortably finish the project and check a few items off its wishlist for revamping the facility, she said.
“Events like this are letting us finish every detail. We’re putting in new pathways, we’re finishing the tarmac, all kinds of stuff.”
This year’s rally began at Centennial Arena in Virgil while Red Roof’s Concession 6 property undergoes upgrades and renovations.
Taylor said the organization provides an important service for families across Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“It’s 24/7, so to give (families) an opportunity to come to a place that’s fun, it’s safe, and then get a little bit of a respite is — it’s a remarkable community service,” he said.
Ginny Taylor, Amanda Binnie, Ria Rosenberg and Joey Riggs took home first place in this year’s rally.
The prize for best car went to Jason and Rachel Redekop, Joyce Yance, Jessie Yance and Lia Hohne.
