Hockey players, volunteers and families hit the ice in Lloydminster to raise funds and remember a man who gave back.
The Play it Forward charity hockey game returned as the biggest fundraiser for Border City Connects, a service vital to the region.
“This is a fundraiser for Border City Connects (BCC),” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “An organization that plays a huge role in our community.”
Organizer Aaron Buckingham said the service is essential.
Read more: Lace up to Play it Forward
“Bottom line is Border City gets people where they need to go,” he said. “That’s what this is all about.”
BCC runs services like caravans to medical appointments and rides for people with mobility issues.
“Last year… just the caravans… put on 277,000 kilometers going to medical appointments,” said Buckingham. “Those are all volunteer drivers.”
Aalbers said the event supports real needs like tires, oil changes and gas.
“It helps make sure there’s tires on those vehicles, there’s gas, the oils maintained,” said Aalbers. “It’s operational costs they don’t recover when people use the services.”
Each year, Play it Forward raises the money to help Border City Connects stay on the road.
“Over the last two years, we’ve replaced two vans for them with this tournament,” said Buckingham.
He said the idea of someone stranded pushed him to act.
“The last thing I wanna see is someone’s grandma sitting broke down on the side of the road,” said Buckingham.
Aalbers said the impact goes far beyond rides.
“There’s no one in the community that doesn’t know somebody that rides Border City Connects,” he said.
Additionally, he shared stories of how the service changed lives.
“From the para golfer watching a father be able to walk his daughter down the aisle, or someone that’s been able to go on the at Pioneer Lodge,” said Aalbers.
Meanwhile, the day also honoured the memory of Glenn Fagnan, a long-time supporter and co-founder of the event.
“Today they’re going to be recognizing Glenn Fagnan,” said Aalbers. “A memorial tournament for all the work that Glenn did.”
“Losing Glenn last year was a big loss to our entire community,” said Buckingham. “We’ll do it in his honour.”
Fagnan’s daughter was on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck.
“They’re volunteering, helping make sure that this continues on,” said Aalbers.
However, from play on the ice to activities off the ice, Fagnan’s presence could be felt said Buckingham.
“Him and I have run this ever since I came up with the idea,” he said. “It’s really different this morning.”
“My son is out there right now playing for him,” added Buckingham.
Each player in the game raised at least $500 to take part.
“There’s lots of guys that blow that number out of the water,” said Buckingham.
Sheldon Heck raised $3,400 for the cause. The event helps with community awareness.
“Even the community awareness of the services Border City offers is huge,” he said.
Mayor Aalbers praised the teamwork behind the event.
“Our various charities do not duplicate services,” he said. “They work together, and that’s what’s so great about it.”
Meanwhile, Buckingham gave credit to the players, sponsors and supporters. He said Team Hobblestone won the tournament.
“If 48 people don’t come out and play this game, we don’t have a game,” said Buckingham. “I can’t thank them enough.”
Over $71,000 in funds was raised this year.
“It’s all about raising money to get people where they need to go in their time of need,” said Buckingham.
Read more: Play it Forward empowers with mobility
