St. Augustine Ponoka’s ninth annual Goodwill Cup raised just over $2,000 for Safe Harbour House in Red Deer.
Partnering with Catholic Social Services and the St. Zita Centre, the fundraiser hockey game was held Dec. 14 with not only money, but also over 1,000 needed items for those who use Safe Harbour House.
The point of collecting the items: new hats, underwear, gloves and socks was to assist those in times of need, explained creator Darren Josephison.
That being said, without the assistance of the staff and students, the event would not have been as successful.
Usually the money goes to the good samaritan fund, he explained. That money helps kids pay for sports or other needs such as food but this year the school looked at specific program, something Josephison feels helps the kids hold onto.
Another year they supported a couple from Myanmar.
A big chunk of the money during the fundraiser from the kids who play in the game. There were 28 this year.
“When they sign up they have to do a little bit of fundraising,” explained Josephison.
“The kids, they bring anywhere from $40 to $80 (each). Also teachers collect coins and money in their home rooms.”
The kids get pledges and donations from friends and family. The goal is raise funds and awareness while not pushing the kids too far.
“This year was special because of so many items (collected),” said Josephison.
He added that Catholic Social Services was pleased to have so many items collected for the Harbour House. “They were quite happy to get all of that.”
The arena was packed during the students versus staff hockey game. Also Deacon Rollie Comeau played, said Josephison.
The final score? 8-6 for the teachers.
Josephison said the teachers have not lost in all the years of the Goodwill Cup but figures their time is soon coming.
“Hopefully it gets to 25 years like the Santa Showdown does,” he added of it’s future.
It’s also a fun event as there’s quite a few alumni who take in the fun event.
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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