It may be an idea that’s being done elsewhere, but it’s still just as successful.
The St. Augustine School Goodwill Cup, held Dec. 21, raised at total of $2,205 in its eighth year of existence in front of an enthusiastic packed crowd of students at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.
Organizer Darren Josephison explained the event is a spin-off of the idea that Ponoka Secondary Campus has been running. He credits PSC teacher Ron Labrie for the idea.
“This is a bit different, in that it’s run during the school day so all of our students can come watch and participate as well as it’s simply just hockey,” said Josephison.
The game, which operates as two 30-minute halves, wound up this year with yet another victory by the staff team, edging out the students by a count of 8-7 and the staff have yet to lose.
Having the stands filled with excited and cheering students adds to the great atmosphere, making the event gather in popularity and not just among the school community.
“It certainly shows the students that we are part of a bigger community, when we have staff combine with some parents and now some alumni wanting to play and be a part of the event,” Josephison said.
“Plus a lot of the students that took part this year have been sitting back watching for up to six years, so it’s interesting to see how excited they are to participate.”
This year saw the largest student team take part, with 24 students ranging from Grades 7 to 12.
“The students earn the right to play by first being interested and then going out and fundraising. This is about half of the total raised came from the students,” he said.
In addition, Josephison explained this is the first year where the funds are being split — half going to the St. Augustine Good Samaritan Fund and the rest to Mimiw-Sakahikan School’s lunch program on the nearby Pigeon Lake reserve.
“It’s always nice to find a cause and this year it was decided to divide up the funds, especially knowing that as students you are helping out other students,” he added.
