BONNYVILLE – On March 1, the Bonnyville Pontiacs U15-2 team, composed of 17 players, held a fundraiser for the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre.
Members of the team shaved their heads in support of cancer at the C2 hub, before they ran laps upstairs.
Kristine Crossland, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, explained the hockey players raised donations for every lap completed, thanks to the support of sponsors, many of them friends and family.
“We’re counting each lap and that’s how they’ll raise money.”
Crossland thanked Sure Shot Wireline for sponsoring Edmonton Oilers tickets in the club seats for the kids that complete the most laps, and Boon Energy for sponsoring a “swag package” for the participant that raises the most money.
There were also pledge forms available during the event that would allow members of the public to donate to the cause. People can also donate online.
The fundraiser is part of the “Stick it to Cancer” tournament, where U15 teams throughout the province try to raise as much money as possible.
According to Crossland, the fundraising effort is also a great opportunity to learn and help others.
“It helps with their social emotional development [and] helps them see others and want to support others,” she said. “They’re really passionate wanting to raise a lot of money for the kids [with cancer].”
Crossland also thanked all those who supported the cause, including the hockey players themselves.
“It’s been fantastic to see the kids come out, support, and at the same time, learn about raising money and supporting other kids that are fighting cancer.”
To the parents and the players of the U15-2 Pontiacs team, Crossland expressed her appreciation, saying, “As parents, we are just so proud of how they have taken on this endeavor.” she said.
Kingston Crossland, one of the players on the U15-2 team, said it felt amazing to contribute to the fundraising.
“I ran around as much as I could,” he said, adding, raising money for such a cause “just feels the best.”
He then urged others to donate to help cure cancer. “We haven’t found the cure yet. Give it a try... give it a chance. It’s fun [and] it’s good for the world.”
A sentiment echoed by his teammates, Drew Worthman, Emmett Brosseau, and Max Johnston. The trio of kids said that it felt great to help with the fundraising.
“It’s going to a good cause," said Brosseau.
Johnston and Worthman nodded along, with Worthman adding, “It feels good to be doing this, raising for cancer, and I think more people should do it.”
The trio then thanked all the people who came to watch them and donated.
As of March 1, combined with fundraising efforts in the previous month, the fundraiser raised over $9,000. The team hopes to reach $10,000 with a bottle drive fundraiser on March 10.
