Sorry it's taken me too long to get to this...
Regular readers know I have a strong attachment to Newfoundland.
Not just for the Targa Newfoundland rally, but for the people who live there and who, not coincidentally, allow Targa to continue.
We got out of there a couple of weeks ago, just before Hurricane Igor pounded the hell out of the place. Some of our co-competitors did in fact get stranded - they had stayed on for a few days of holiday, to see some of the gorgeous scenery you just can't take in at 160 km/h. Some roads got completely washed out, and there was nowhere to go.
Now, I can think of many much worse places to get stranded than the Burin peninsula or Bonavista.
But still...
The people of Newfoundland are not only the nicest people on earth, they are also among the hardiest. They've been eking out a living on this beautiful but often inhospitable rock for centuries, enduring all sorts of hardships.
But Hurricane Igor has really hit them.
The organizers of Targa Newfoundland have asked all friends of Targa - current and former competitors, fans, anyone who has had any interest whatsoever in this amazing event, to lend a helping hand.
These people have been giving us their roads to play on for nine years; now, some of those roads have completely disappeared, and many of our host communities have been devastated.
There are plenty of recognized charities that are assisting in the rebuilding of these communities. Any of them would welcome your support.
Targa has suggested that if you don't have a personal favourite, or if you don't know where to begin, that you consider the Canadian Red Cross, an organization which is always on the front lines when disaster strikes, anywhere in Canada.
Donations can be made via cheque or credit card through the Rotary Club of St. John's Northwest Foundation Hurricane Igor Relief Fund, P.O. Box 805, St. John's Newfoundland, A1C 5LC.
Or, you can contact Wilf McIsaac at the Bank of Montreal, phone 1-709-758-2847, or e-mail him at wilfred.mcisaac@bmo.com.
Let's show the people of Newfoundland that the Spirit of Targa does indeed flow both ways.
Thank you.
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