Weekend of destruction

The aftermath of 24th weekend partying means a headache for many, but Harold Clarke was hit with one he didn't expect.

The president of the Coxswains Association in Labrador West went to the boathouse at Jean Lake last Tuesday morning and was greeted with multiple damages compliments of vandals who ran havoc on the property sometime during the long weekend.

"We've had some acts of vandalism from time to time over the years, but this time it was overboard," said Clarke. "None of it makes any sense at all, just wanton destruction that you can't rationalize."

Sometime between noon on Saturday (May 10) and Tuesday morning (May 20), three doors were kicked in; one in the big boathouse as well as two doors in the First Aid hut.

The rampage included a busted meter on the boathouse as well four overturned outhouses-two are the property of the Labrador West Rowing Association and two belonging to the Town of Wabush.

The Sea Cadet's boathouse was also broken into.

Clarke rowed in the first Labrador West Regatta back in 1973 and since then he has been actively involved from an organizational level with the regatta. He enjoys the volunteer work he does and understands without the great amount of all the volunteers in the communities many recreational activities would not exist.

"The annual regatta is one of the prime recreational activities in Labrador West," Clarke added. "The people who did this have no idea of what goes into this or appreciation for the volunteers in their communities. It's the communities that pay for this stuff because it's done through fundraising. These people have no respect for others or other people's property."

Clarke's volunteer efforts are not restricted to the rowing association, he has several other areas where he lends his time; one is very close to his heart.

He lost his daughter Karla to cancer four years ago and during her illness, and since her death, the Clarkes are dedicated fundraisers for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).

"Each year we have a yard sale and give all the proceeds to CCS," he said. "During the winter months I collect items for the sale. I have been doing it for six years now."

The items he collected were stored in the First Aid hut and some of those items went missing after the vandals busted through the doors.

"I am not sure what exactly is missing but I do know one item for sure and that is an old motorbike," Clarke said. "The bike isn't in working order but I am hoping maybe someone will identify it and report it to the police."

He implores the public to report any information they may have on the culprits to Crimestoppers because it is indeed a needless act that only serves as a burden to the people of the community.

"Everyone should be upset over stuff like this," he added. "Even the vandals don't realize these things are there for them, for everyone and the money it takes to repair it could be put to much greater needs. I encourage anyone who sees anything at all to go and report it."

As the association is getting ready for the regatta preparations, Clarke says it won't affect the annual event, but it's a dispiriting beginning to a season he looks forward to each year with excitement.