A few jokes, some fun and a whole lot of money helped to bring some bright light to the coming holiday at St. Augustine School last week.
On Thursday, Dec. 17, the school held its sixth annual Goodwill Cup charity hockey game - complete with a packed crowd of students, staff and parents - at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre. The game, which features staff and other adults that volunteer at the school taking on students, began as a way to raise funds for the school’s Good Samaritan Fund, but has grown to include other local charities.
The Good Samaritan Fund provides assistance to St. Augustine students and families that are experiencing financial difficulties by helping fund fees for sports, school supplies, clothes and at Christmas. The other charity being supported this year was the Canadian Tire Jump Start campaign, which assists children wanting to play sports by paying for registration fees and equipment.
This year, the fundraiser brought in nearly $1,700 - a number that St. Augustine teacher Darren Josephison said was a wonderful result.
He added this edition also marked a historic point in the event on a couple of fronts.
“Three students - Grade 12s Jarret Henderson, Daniel Hutchkowski and Alyssa Klinger - took part this year in what will be their last one, but what made it special is they are the only students to have played in all six of the Goodwill Cups that have been held. It was really neat to see that,” Josephison stated.
“As well, this was the first time for several of the Grade 7 students that played, who were all in the stands watching as Grade 1 students when this all started.”
As for the final score, that wasn’t important for anyone - not even the students in the stands who professed their allegiances with handmade signs throughout the game - as it was all about giving back and supporting those that need it.