Local sports saw a $52,400 boost in Manitou recently.

Volunteers organized a Four Sport Fundraising Banquet to support the Manitou and Community Arena, Manitou and Community Curling Club, Manitou and Community Swimming Pool and the Manitou Town and Country Golf Club.

Organizer Kathy Furniss says along with generous monetary donations, tremendous support was shown from around the region with donations of food, services and silent and live auction prizes.

"Sports organizations have trouble finding funding to support extra capital or major expenses to keep their facilities operationg," she says, adding they don't want to overly burden the local municipality.

Furniss notes the funds will be split evenly between the four groups.

A Massey Ferguson tractor was auctioned off for the Four Sport Fundraising Banquet in Manitou October 19.