SAULT STE. MARIE -- Team Brad Jacobs won't be hurling rocks on the ice anytime soon, but that's not stopping the curlers from taking on a new challenge.
The curling team is supporting the "True North Stronger" fund, which sees the Northern Credit Union match donations of up to $20,000 with the United Way.
"It's important to take care of each other during this very difficult time. So far, we've been doing really well," said Brad Jacobs, the Olympic champion skip from Sault Ste. Marie. "We know that we'll get through this, of course, but only with the help and support of one another."
The team members joined a video chat with the Northern Credit Union to discuss why they are supporting the fund and also give some insight into their own personal struggles during the pandemic.
"We've been spending a lot of time outside as a family, trying to stay in shape in other ways, since we haven't been able to train as normal," Jacobs said. "But I think what's really been missing, is that person-to-person interactions, getting together with each other, not just competing, but just to hang out."
Team Jacobs says it wanted to support a fund that will directly impact local communities, like Sault Ste. Marie.
"That support is crucial for raising the campaign's profile and we couldn't be more grateful," said Gary Vipond, CEO for United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District. "It's, so far, been a bit of a struggle getting it out there, that's for sure."
Vipond says the United Way has raised $4,000 but hopes to see more donations to help address critical issues, like food security.
"That's our biggest one right now, during the pandemic, especially among our seniors," he said. "They're not able to get out to purchase food or medication, out of safety concerns. So, anyway we can help them is important."
