HAMBURG, N.Y., – March 14, 2022 – Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York Inc. (STWA) (www.southtownswalleye.org) exhibited at the 2022 WNY Sport and Travel Expo located within the Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg, NY. During the the four day event, the club actively promoted its membership opportunities, the 38th Annual Walleye Derby, general club information, upcoming events and was active with its popular youth trout pond.
This year’s focus for the club is to assist in raising funds and public awareness of the Life Ring initiative to save lives along the Niagara River. There currently is not any life saving measures in place along the river, yet every year lives are lost in the swift and unpredictable currents. The club’s goal will be to purchase a minimum of 50 life rings that will be installed by the City of Buffalo starting from the Peace Bridge and moving down steam towards Niagara Falls in various locations to aid in reducing the risk for further loss of life.
With sponsorship from Buffalo City Council member Joe Golombek Jr., the club has partnered with the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282, the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association and the East Side Angler’s Association on this life saving initiative. At the show, booth staff solicited show attendees and businesses alike to make a five dollar minimum donation towards the purchase of a life ring to help save a life.
The outpouring of support from our local sportsmen and women was unwavering and the club raised a substantial amount of funds to purchase several life rings. The symbolic paper rings purchased during the event were placed on the wall of the booth showcasing the amazing show of support and will be transferred to the STWA clubhouse and placed on the walls to honor those that have donated to this great endeavor.
If you are interested in donating to this worthwhile cause or learning more, please contact us on our website at https://southtownswalleye.com/resources/life-ring or stop by the Southtowns Walleye Association clubhouse every third Thursday of the month to learn more in person on how you can help.
Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fishing opportunities in the region for all individuals. With a clear focus on kids, community, conservation and philanthropy, our various programs support these pillars for a strong future generation of outdoorsmen and women and our fishery. To learn more about the club, please visit us at www.southtownswalleye.org or stop by our facility located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg, NY 14075, Tel.: 716.649.8202, meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm and are open to the public.