April 19, 2005

Bruce arrived in Niagara a few days before his presentation and several members of “The Sporting Clubs of Niagara” got together with Bruce to talk informally about his situation.

On Tuesday, April 19 Bruce made his presentation at the Merritton Community Centre in St. Catharines, ON. Approximately 150 men and women turned out to hear Bruce speak. The presentation and question period lasted nearly two hours and several people stayed behind after the formal part of the evening to talk to Bruce and offer their support. In general the crowd was very impressed by Bruce’s sincerity and commitment to the cause.

While media response was lukewarm Bruce did get a very favourable write up in the “Niagara News” paper and the accompanying editorial the same night used his visit as a platform to also bash the firearm registry. CKTB radio wanted to do an on-air interview with Bruce the following night but he was on the way home and couldn’t do it. However, we were able to hook him up a few days later and they ended up doing the interview long distance from to Dryden.

In total we collected a little more than $2000 for Bruce’s court challenge and some subsequent donations from people who couldn’t attend but contributed later should push that total close to $2500.

Thanks to the members of TSCON who helped arrange and set up the presentation and to Bill Ward of Spectra Communications who donated the use of the sound system and AV equipment.

Gerry Gamble
President
The Sporting Clubs of Niagara