The CK Cyber Pack is hoping to raise some support and awareness for its robotics team in Chatham today.
The team is made up of students from across Chatham-Kent and is set to compete in a pair of challenges that will take place across southwestern Ontario with the potential of qualifying for larger events as well.
Grade 12 student at UCC Paul Norton is in his second season with the team.
He says they have an annual budget of about $25,000 -- all of which is covered by fundraising.
"It's too much money to raise from individual parents and individual students, but we get a lot of support from local businesses," says Norton, adding their costs stack up quickly. "We're required to spend $5,000 every year to register for the event and the rest of the money goes towards building the robot, getting parts, and travel costs -- we try to make every trip free for every student."
Right now, the team is made up of about 40 members plus mentors and parents.
The first competitions are taking place at regional events in Waterloo and Windsor. At those events, the team will have a chance to qualify for a provincial event in Toronto and potentially an international event in St. Louis, Missouri.
In order to cover their costs, the group is holding a donation drive and a fundraising BBQ at St. Clair College from 9am to 3pm.
They'll also be promoting Carbon Monoxide Awareness week with the Chatham-Kent Fire Department.
