SURREY, BC, June 6, 2014 /CNW/ - The horse racing community has banded together to help the principals of JJJ Stables, owners of the 17 standardbreds that died in a massive barn fire in Langley, B.C.
"It's the worst thing that can happen when you're in the racing industry," said Chuck Keeling, Vice President, Stakeholders Relations and Responsible Gaming at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. "It is a horrific loss for everyone."
In an effort to assist JJJ Stables and families impacted by the Langley barn fire, four Great Canadian Gaming Corporation racetrack facilities have initiated fund-raising plans as a show of support in the recovery process. The horses and equipment lost in the fire were uninsured.
Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, B.C., Fraser Downs Racetrack in Surrey, B.C. as well as Ontario-based Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs will be collecting cash donations from Saturday, June 7 to Tuesday, June 17.
Fraser Downs and Harness Racing B.C. will co-host a fund-raising evening at Fraser Downs on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception in the Homestretch at Fraser Downs. The evening will include a silent auction.
Those wishing to contribute to the silent auction should deliver their items to the Fraser Downs reception desk prior to Sunday, June 15. All items collected will be on display in the Fraser Downs Atrium from Sunday, June 15 to Tuesday, June 17. For more information contact Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino at 604.576.9141.
Langley Township Fire Chief Russ Jenkins said officials may never know what caused the extensive fire. "It was fully involved when we got there," he told The Vancouver Sun. "The main structure of the stable and the roof had collapsed. In my 22 years in the Township, this is the worst one I can imagine in terms of animal casualties."
Image with caption: "Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino and Harness Racing B.C. will co-host a fund-raising evening at Fraser Downs on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. For more information please contact Fraser Downs at 604.576.9141. (CNW Group/Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140606_C2348_PHOTO_EN_2538.jpg
SOURCE: Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino
Sonja Mandic, Manager, Media & Responsible Gaming, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, [email protected], Direct: 604.303.6169
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