Tom Garside, the 12-year-old Saultite who's serving as provincial ambassador for the 2003 Easter Seals campaign, was back in town last night.
Garside spoke at an opening reception for the 2003 Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) annual general meeting and convention.
There's a traditional link between snowmobilers and the Easter Seals, through the annual Snowaramas that take place around the province, and Easter Seals sponsored a wine-and-cheese fundraiser to open the gathering of 600 snowmobile enthusiasts at the Best Western on Great Northern Road.
Also on hand for last night's reception were local Easter Seals ambassadors Samantha and Rebecca Keene together with mom Lois.
To see our photos of the Keene twins, please click here.
With each delegate to the OFSC convention expected to spend $200 a day while in town, the direct economic benefit to Sault Ste. Marie is estimated at $360,000.
With added spinoff effects, the indirect benefit to the local economy is believed to be almost $500,000.
The convention continues through until Sunday.