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Hockey game more than just charity

It’s a game where the score doesn’t really matter and the only goal is to help out.
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RCMP goaltender watches the puck slide past the Midgets Lewis McDowell

It’s a game where the score doesn’t really matter and the only goal is to help out.

The fourth annual RCMP versus the Ponoka Fountain Tire Midget Wolves charity hockey game went on Oct. 27 in front of a large crowd at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex, raising money for a great cause while having some fun and creating other benefits as well.

The event generated $1,022 that will go toward the local KidSport charity, which provides funds to children to give them the opportunity to participate in organized sports programs through paying registration fees and assisting in providing equipment.

The funds are raised through donations at the door along with the sale of raffle tickets for a variety of prizes and a chance to shoot to win a $100 gift basket along with a 50/50 draw, which saw the winner generously donate the winning amount back.

KidSport hopes children can develop skills such as leadership, hard work, dedication and confidence in addition to the other benefits of being involved in sports. It also helps the kids build upon healthy lifestyle habits and learn from mentors and receive guidance from other participants.

In 2015, KidSport in Ponoka helped about 40 children to be able to play the sport they wanted.

Ponoka RCMP Cst. Adam Al-Kadri explained the money raised stays in the community and that the event shows that police officers are more than just simply those that enforce the law.

“It’s another way for the people to see that the police are part of the community and see what we are like outside of our uniforms. It also puts a focus on the positive aspects of the work we do for the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, the opposition midget squad also derived something out of the game, if not simply the fact they couldn’t keep up with the more experienced RCMP squad that saw officers from Ponoka, Bashaw and Red Deer take part.

“This event is a win-win for everyone and for the charity,” said Wolves head coach Corey Adam.

“It really helps these kids realize just how privileged they are to be able to play and help out those that may not be able to afford it. Plus, it’s also nice to be able to go out there and just have some fun.”