The Kamaniskeg Area Property Owners Association (KAPOA) Poker Run raises funds for the purchase of crucial medical equipment required by the St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. This hospital provides emergency services to residents, cottagers and visitors to the area numbering in excess of 10,000 people. The demand for funding emergency equipment is a constant need, either to purchase new types of equipment using new technologies, or replacing older equipment. Purchasing this equipment is not covered by Provincial Government sources and becomes a local responsibility. Over the years it is likely that you have utilized the services provided by St. Francis Memorial Hospital and find comfort in knowing that this is available to us a short distance from many of our residences or cottages.
Imagine taking the hospital and turning it upside down; unless it’s the concrete structure, everything will fall out. That everything is what fund-raising helps to purchase.
This year’s event has a set goal of $25,000 which will help to go towards the cost of a new x-ray machine. The current x-ray machine was installed in 2021 and has reached the end of its service life. Replacing the machine will help ensure our community continues to have timely access to this essential diagnostic service close to home.
X-ray is one of the most heavily used diagnostic services, with approximately 7,500 exams performed each year. A new, reliable system will help ensure residents can continue to receive high-quality diagnostic imaging locally, reducing delays and minimizing the need to travel outside the region. The cost of this is $450,000.
The Poker Run will be held on Saturday July 25, 2026 starting at the Barry’s Bay boat launch at 10:00 a.m. and finishing at Hinterland Beach at 4:00 p.m. This year is a year to meet or know your neighbours. Let’s meet new friends and bring the community together. We will have a luncheon, popcorn machine, slushie machine, rock painting and bubbles. Everyone can relax, enjoy and meet your neighbour. If you don’t have a boat, or can’t make the date, you can enter a virtual boat and your poker hand will be drawn randomly for you by the organizers. If neither of these options are available to you, you can make a donation to the Poker Run and it will be pooled with monies raised towards achieving our community goal. Entry fees and donations are eligible for a tax receipt issued to each person by the Foundation.
This year the entry fee is $200 with an early bird draw to win $100 worth of 50/50 tickets. To enter you must purchase and register before June 21, 2026. Registration details to follow soon, stay tuned!
The 3 best poker hands are eligible for prizes, 1st prize-$500; 2nd prize $300 and 3rd prize $250. Remember there is a prize for best decorated boat and dock. Best decorated boat will be voted on by the dock hosts and best decorated dock will be voted on by the boaters.
Sponsors are already stepping up to help offset the cost of hosting this event. If you happen to be a part of one of their businesses, please thank them for sponsoring this worthwhile event. Hope to see you there!
