Encouraging kids to dream big

Dave Chong has a slogan he lives by when wetting a line: Fish hard, dream big.
The 47-year-old Aurora resident would like others to follow his vision, especially youngsters who don’t get the opportunity to experience the fun fishing can provide.
As a means of fulfilling his quest, Chong is helping organize his second annual Take A Kid Fishing day.
The event, June 24 at Orillia’s Couchiching Beach Park, is expected to see between 80 and 100 Little Brothers/Sisters along with their respective Big Brothers/Sisters out on the waters of Lake Couchiching.
That’s twice the participants at last year’s inaugural event on Lake Simcoe. Response last year was so great, Chong said they ended up with more boats than youngsters.
“The response last year was incredible. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters York Region offices kept asking me after our event was done when will this year’s event take place?
“It was well received all around and well supported by the anglers and sponsors,” Chong said.
This year’s festivities will conclude with a weigh-in to determine a winner, a barbecue and silent auction to help raise funds for the event and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of York.
In addition to fellow tournament anglers who are lending their time, Chong noted a number of sponsors have come aboard including fishharddreambig.com, the Canadian Fishing Tour, CFT Federation, Bass Pro Shops, Bass Magnet Lures, Top Bass Fishing Series, Fish Crisp, Spida Communications, Mitten Vinyl Inc, Exposures Plus and others.
“For many of us tournament anglers, it’s a way to give back to the sport that we all love by introducing a child to the joy of fishing,” Chong said. “Talk to anyone who participated last year and you’ll realize how rewarding an experience like this can be.”
Other anglers or sponsors who wish to help can reach Chong at 416-993-3477.