BONNYVILLE - The 13th annual Scott MacDonald Memorial Football Tournament was held on Sept. 24, making for a full day of football in the community and thousands of dollars raised.
A total of four games were held at Walsh Field, including all levels of football, from Atom flag, to Pee Wee, Bantam and high school. The teams welcomed opponents such as the Cold Lake Rams, Wainwright WarHawks and Wainwright Commandos.
Silent Auctions, 50/50 ticket draws, head-shave fundraisers, concession and a pregame show by the Premier Academy Cheerleaders were just some of the highlights of the jam-packed day.
Parent president of The Bonnyville Amateur Football Association, Naomi Fraser explained the importance of the fundraiser.
“Scott lost his battle with cancer. What we do as an organization in Scott’s name is to fundraise for scholarships to graduating players but also sponsorship baskets for children fighting cancer,” said Fraser.
“Scott pushed that he wanted to give back to kids. He was in the hospital for so long and he knows a lot of kids lost those sparks,” she added. “We offer food vouchers, toys and whatever helps the financial burden of parents and what makes those kids smile.”
“This is an important day because cancer just doesn't stop,” she told Lakeland Today. About $10,800 was raised on Saturday.
Due to the pandemic affecting gatherings in 2020 and 2021, the memorial event was not able to run as it normally did, but this year, the event ran restriction-free.
“Last year, we had to attempt the six-foot distance. We ended up switching it online and it really did change the feeling of the event as this is family oriented. It affected the ability to raise money and continue Scott's legacy, but the community has pulled through for us and supported us,” she concluded.
Scott MacDonald was a Bonnyville Voyageur alumnus who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after graduation. He lost his battle on July 11, 2010, at the age of 19.
In memory of MacDonald, a legacy fund has been established for the primary purpose of supporting children battling cancer.
