Cold Lake's emergency responders are getting ready to battle it out on the ice. On Saturday, April 22, members of the Cold Lake RCMP will look to defend their title against the Cold Lake Fire-Rescue hockey team.
Cold Lake's emergency responders are getting ready to battle it out on the ice.
On Saturday, April 22, members of the Cold Lake RCMP will look to defend their title against the Cold Lake Fire-Rescue hockey team.
"That's one of the things that's at stake here, is defending the cup. We have a very similar team to last year. Without appearing to be overconfident, I'm optimistic that we'll have another positive outcome on behalf of the RCMP," said Cold Lake detachment S/Sgt. Jeremie Landry.
The second annual RCMP versus Fire-Rescue charity hockey game will take place at the Energy Centre, with warm-ups getting underway at 6:30 p.m. and the puck drop at 7. While the game puts an end to the age-old question of who are the best emergency personnel - at least until next year - it also serves as a fundraiser for the Cold Lake Victim Services Unit (VSU).
Cold Lake Fire-Rescue will be looking to make a comeback after last year, but fire chief Jeff Fallow said the cause they're playing for is really what it's all about.
"We certainly will be playing to win, but at the end of the day it's about supporting victim services. Both rosters are similar to last year, so we'll see what happens."
For it's inaugural year in 2016, the event raised over $13,000 for the local VSU. A packed crowd watched the RCMP hoist the cup as they claimed the victory with a score of 8-6.
"It was really successful last year. I'm so thankful to the Cold Lake RCMP and Fire-Rescue for being the charity of choice in this," said Dave Zimmerman, Cold Lake Victim Services program manager.
Currently, victim services receives funding from the Alberta Solicitor General through a victims of crime grant. That money goes towards paying for certain staff salaries, leasing their vehicles, and some training for the advocates. However, the three-year grant has been capped at $150,000, leaving the unit in need of donations and fundraising for everyday expenses such as office supplies, fuel, and for the indigenous outreach program.
"It's about sustainability for our program, to make sure it's alive and well in our community and helping victims of crime and tragedy," noted Zimmerman.
The Cold Lake VSU has seen a steady increase in their number of files over the past decade. In 2016, advocates responded to 956 files - 71 more than in the previous year. Files range from domestic violence and assaults, to sudden death notices, to motor vehicle accidents and impaired driving. Victim services also provides assistance to help victims through the criminal justice system, such as providing court support and ensuring victims know their rights.
"It's so important because victims should never be forgotten about or left to fend for themselves without support," expressed Landry. "When you're dealing with a victim of crime or tragedy, whether it be the loss of a loved one or the victim or a break and enter or theft, when you're able to provide that support to them and see how much it assists them... to see how much of a positive impact that has makes it all worth it at the end of the day. That's why we're doing what we're doing."
Fallow added that when he was approached to provide the opposition team for the charity game, "it was an easy decision."
"Over the many years working with victim services, we've seen firsthand the good work done by this group and how they help the people in need. Our fire service has used them when required for critical incident debriefings and also called upon them when we respond to an issue where they could help somebody who has experienced a difficult or traumatic situation, such as a house fire."
The charity hockey game will also feature a number of on and off-ice entertainment and activities for fans. Both Sparky (the Fire-Rescue mascot) and Safety Bear (the RCMP mascot) will be on hand to support their teams.
To help get more kids out to watch the game, they will again be handing out youth tickets to local schools. One of the sponsorships available for businesses allows them to pay for a certain number of youth tickets at $5 each. The free tickets will then be distributed between the schools to give to their students.
"It gives the kids an opportunity to go to a hockey game, have a night out, and be with our local emergency responder heroes," said Zimmerman.
Tickets are available at the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment, Cold Lake Fire-Rescue, and city hall. Adult tickets are $10, youth ages seven to 16 are $5, and kids six-years-old and under are free, with all of the proceeds going to Cold Lake Victim Services.
"I would encourage residents to attend the game to support victim services, meet members from Cold Lake Fire-Rescue and RCMP who will be roaming throughout the facility, as well as playing in the game, and finally enjoy a night out with the family where there is sure to be some laughs, pranks throughout the game, and hopefully an entertaining game," said Fallow.
Fore more information, call 780-812-5880 or 780-594-3302.
