Ponoka Secondary Campus’s 28th annual Santa Showdown hockey game where Grade 12 students take on teachers on the ice, was a hard-fought defensive battle all the way, ending in a 22-22 tie.
In fact, the teams were so evenly matched, even the tug-of-war skills competition ended in a stalemate, with the rope breaking exactly in the middle.
“It just right in half,” said social studies teacher Ron Labrie. “That was a one-off I’ve never seen before.”
It’s the school’s second year bringing the event back after the pandemic, and Labrie said they’re “happy to get back in the saddle,” and keep the tradition going.
There was a lot of community support with sponsorship, volunteers, and alumni becoming involved, either donating or lacing up to play.
Labrie added he think’s it’s really a testament to the event, that people keep coming back to support it.
For the $2 admission, spectators were treated to two-period hockey match, skills competitions including chariot races and a fastest skater competition, as well as a figure skating duet for the halftime show.
The event raised a total of $2,513.65 for Ponoka’s Santa’s Anonymous campaign, which is operated by the school.
“Every cent … goes to Santa’s Anonymous and stays in our community and supports those folks who may be struggling at this time of year,” said Labrie.
Since the Santa Showdown began, it has raised over $43,000 for the holiday toy drive campaign.
According to Nicole Berg, one of the program coordinators, Santa’s Anonymous is still in “dire need” of donations.
The greatest need is for gifts for teenagers, both girls and boys, or monetary donations so organizers can purchase what is needed.
Time is quickly running out, with delivery set for Wednesday, Dec. 20, so donations would need to be received by Monday afternoon, or Tuesday morning at the latest, said Berg.
Tax receipts are available to those who donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/92760?v2=true.
READ MORE: Ponoka Secondary Campus’s Santa’s Anonymous campaign is in full swing
