The second-annual Play it Forward charity hockey event took place last Friday at the Servus Sports Centre and brought in an impressive $70,400. Interest is already up for next year which has organizers optimistic for the future. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
It was “mission accomplished” for the 48 men and women who played in Border City Connect’s second-annual 12-hour Play it Forward charity hockey game and raised a total of $70,400.
The game took place last Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Servus Sports Centre and all proceeds went to support the purchase of a new Care-A-Van.
After the success of last year, event organizer and player, Aaron Buckingham, was looking forward to another marathon on ice and was quite pleased with the results.
“Going in the morning of the game we had about $31,000 in online donations alone before the game started,” said Buckingham.
“Once everyone came in with their cash, cheques and pledge forms, we basically started that game at $51,000, and that was raised by 48 individuals … so they each averaged $1,000 going above their $500, and that’s the reason this was such a success.”
Border City Connects provides transportation for residents with special needs or mobility issues.
Last year’s inaugural event featured 44 players and brought in just over $60,000.
“Of the 44 players we had last year, I would say 95 per cent of them weren’t super familiar with what Border City Connects does, and I’d say 100 per cent of them have never utilized it,” said Buckingham, noting they had four additional goalies this year to bring the total number of players to 48.
“Congratulations to Border City Connects for being able to continue this vital service. Congratulations to the 48 players who made this dream a reality,” said Buckingham.
“Two days of hockey over two years brought in over $143,000 if you combine the totals from both years.”
Buckingham also noted next year’s 12-hour charity game should be just as successful as the majority of this year’s players were already showing interest for next year.
“I think we could add another team to this thing next year and make it more of a tournament-style event instead of a marathon, and we’ll grow the game,” he said.
If you missed the action, the entire thing was live-streamed on YouTube, which is still available on the Border City Connects YouTube page.
“Last year we just streamed the game, but this year, Maz Entertainment went out and bought a switcher so we could do instant replays,” he said.
“When a guy scored a goal or something ridiculous happened, it was kinda like Hockey Night in Canada in the sense we had those replays.”
