Fighting cancer took a lighter note during a friendly ball hockey fundraiser Sept. 7.
The games were organized by Craig Sorenson, who wanted to raise funds for three groups: Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), the Ponoka Food Bank and the Alberta Cancer Society.
This is the second fundraiser organized by Sorenson, who staged a head shave and ball hockey tournament last year for his father, Bob, who is undergoing lung cancer treatment. The event went well, says Sorenson. “We had a good turnout last year. I had almost every team keep asking me, ‘Are you going to do it?’ I figured it’s for a good cause.”
He hopes to see the event grow each year. Sorenson’s mother, Cindy, was glad to see strong community support for the family. Bob was feeling well enough this year to be able to play a little with the teams.
“Last year I wasn’t able to get out there. I played a little bit in net but this year I can do a little bit more,” explained Bob.
People from as far away as Edmonton, Westlock and Red Deer came to support the Sorenson’s endeavour and they raised funds through a team entry fee. There was also a barbecue and raffle table to increase the amount raised.
“All goes toward the different charities,” said Sorenson.
He did not have any goals this year except for participants to have fun and to see if there is potential to repeat the fundraiser.
The Alberta Cancer Society has kept a fund open for the Sorensons but the family wants to ensure local groups also benefit.
“We want to give back as much to the local community because they’ve shown us a lot of support over the years,” explained Bob.
“The food bank to me is a big one,” added Sorenson.
Another reason BBBS and the food bank was chosen was because those groups do many volunteer hours, said Cindy. She feels those groups give much of their time, not unlike volunteer firefighters.
Bob updated Ponoka News on his health and was pleased to say his condition is stable. “My doctors told me it’s not curable, it’s treatable.”
Eight teams signed up to play and eight people shaved their heads prior to the start of the tournament. Approximately $3,700 was raised, says Sorenson.