Coraleen (aka Corky) Jones is a force of nature. A barrel racer with the empathy and energy of ten people, she is loyal to and passionate about her community of Delburne. These traits were evident when Corky and co-host Laurie Bresee recently organized the massively successful ALS Run for the Cure Barrel Racing event at the Delburne Agriplex, raising $24,575 for the ALS Society of Alberta.
Corky was initially inspired to host this event by neighbour Lyle Craig, who was diagnosed with ALS this past year. The disease has tragically been part of the Craig family, and Lyle is the fifth member of the family to be diagnosed. On top of that, there are many other families from this small community and area that have also been affected. The impact of this disease on so many people in her community, and watching how it affects those families, lit even more of a flame to make this idea a reality.
With Covid rules loosened, Corky felt the timing was right for an event to bring ALS to the forefront with a charitable effort in honour of the Craig family. And in doing so, she discovered that many others in her world even outside of Delburne have also been touched by ALS. This expanded circle all wanted to help in any way they could, to raise awareness about ALS and funds for the ALS Society of Alberta.
Buoyed by this support from the Craig family and local ALS Community members, Corky and Laurie put together a spectacular event. 130 barrel racers, almost 100 silent auction items, ALS hats and buffs, candy apples, baked goods… It was an epic event, full of so many wonderful people all there in support of ALS and fundraising. And following two years of Covid restrictions, it was an opportunity for the people of Delburne to gather at the rink, see neighbours they hadn’t seen in a long time, and come together to support one of their own. As Corky says, “It was kind of a perfect storm in regards to timing, and ended up being such a feel good day for everyone. It’s what we do in Delburne – we take care of each other. If someone needs help, we help them. Barrel racers too, we are all part of western heritage and everyone just steps up.”
There were many highlights that day, but for most in attendance their favourite moment was Lyle’s son Jason, who is severely allergic to horses and has never ridden, putting himself out there in front of all his family and friends and doing a timed barrel race – guesses were made on how long it would take, and whether he would manage to complete the course properly. Donations made in honour of Jason’s ride totaled over $1200.
Many moments in Delburne brought tears to our eyes… it was a sense of community not felt for a very long time, due to Covid and the lack of events. Our ALS Society staff was incredibly moved by this event, and the people we got to meet. Thank you to Corky, Laurie, the Craig family, and everyone else that spent so much time and energy putting this day together. We can’t thank you enough.