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Friday, January 30, 2026

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A sight to behold in the January cold

By Eoin Devereux

An iconic charitable tradition has once again passed through Neepawa, as Journey for Sight made a quick stop over the weekend. The annual snowmobile event has been motoring in Manitoba since 1983, with its goal being to support vision-related programs, through fundraising and awareness.

This year, the ride started in Flin Flon on Wednesday Jan. 20 and concluded in Brandon on Saturday, Jan. 24. Along the way, the participants make stops in several communities, including Neepawa. The caravan arrived mid-afternoon locally to top up the full tanks and grab a late lunch at our local Dairy Queen (DQ). Josh MacQuarie is one of Journey for Sights’ lead coordinators this year. He said this year’s extreme weather has not deterred the spirits of the riders.

“We’re snowmobilers at heart, so whether it’s minus four or 40, we’re in it. And when it comes to helping out on something like Journey for Sight, that’s a motivator, as well. We’ve seen the support from the communities over the years and what it’s been able to do in terms of helping those in need. The weather is not going to deter us from that,” said MacQuarie.

But the stop was about more than a quick lunch and a bit of a break from the rigours of the trails. This year, Prairie Mountain Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club stepped up to fill the void left by the demise of Neepawa’s Lion Club, partnering with DQ to provide lunch for the riders,. They also presented a cheque for around $1,200, raised locally

Roy Globak of Prairie Mountain Snow Drifters said everyone with the group is proud to step up and keep this tradition alive locally. MacQuarie thanked Globak and the Snow Drifters, as well as DQ for their support.

“[Neepawa] is a stopping point for us each year, but it’s more than that. Every year it’s been an amazing supporter. Whether it was Lions Club or the Snowmobile Club, this has been a town that’s supported us, and we’re grateful for that support.”

Since its inception over 40 years ago, Journey for Sight has raised over $3 million, helping to fund vision programs. As of Jan. 25, the 2026 Journey for Sight had collected $62,375 in pledges and donations, which is nearly double last year’s result.