FRANKFORT, Maine — A limited-edition run of “Pink Snofighter” shovels by Mt. Waldo Plastics of Frankfort resulted in the donation of more than $10,000 to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s “Champion the Cure Challenge” on Wednesday.
The money will directly benefit research at EMMC’s Cancer Care operation.
Mt. Waldo Plastics, which is owned by Maine Senate President Mike Thibodeau, launched earlier this year and, according to a news release, became the first Maine company to manufacture snow shovels.
Shortly after production of blue “Snofighter” shovels began, the company started making pink shovels in order to raise money for cancer research. Sales of the pink shovels was higher than expected, with a portion of each sale being matched by the company, according to Thibodeau.
“We asked our customers to pay an extra dollar for the shovel, and we took two dollars from our side of the equation to raise the money,” said Thibodeau. “We thought it was a huge success. People were amazingly supportive.”
Jenifer Lloyd, philanthropy officer for the EMMC Foundation, said during a ceremony Wednesday morning in Frankfort that although pink is a symbolic color for cancer awareness nationally, the $10,098 raised by Mt. Waldo Plastics will fund research that is happening in Maine.
Chalene Boggins of Veazie, a cancer survivor who was treated at EMMC’s Cancer Care center, hailed the donation.
“When you see the shovels, you’re reminded that you have support and you need that constant reminder because the battle against cancer is not over,” she said.
Mt. Waldo Plastics’ snow shovels are sold exclusively in Maine at retail locations including Ace and True Value hardware stores as well as Renys. Thibodeau said the pink shovels are still on sale and that the fundraiser will continue.
