By Kim Hutchison
Staff Reporter:
An estimated 350 students, staff and members of the community were seated in the stands of the arena on Dec. 12 to watch a hockey team filled with Grade 12 students take on a hockey team full of staff members, coaches, and spouses of both for Ponoka Composite High School’s 15th annual Santa Showdown.
Gorillas revved the already highly energetic crowd by throwing prizes to them from the ice while students dressed in elf suits made their way up and down the bleachers selling 50/50 tickets.
After players warmed up for a few minutes, every team member was introduced and the singing of our national anthem took place before the anticipated play got underway. It was a close call, but the students ultimately emerged victorious with a final but seemingly disputed score of 16 to 15.
PCHS teacher and event organizer Rob Labrie, thought the evening went very well.
“Every year the Grade 12s really look forward to this. The turnout was great and the kids were respectful. They know it’s for a great cause and it was a lot of fun overall,” he said. Labrie knew the 50/50 sales were strong and thought there was a possibility they might have beat last year’s final amount and at the end of the day his hunch proved to be dead on. All proceeds raised during the evening were for Santa’s Anonymous and this year’s total amount came in at a record breaking $1844.40.
This money will make additional gift and food hampers possible for families in Ponoka in need of assistance during the holiday season. All week students have been sorting mass amounts of presents and non-perishable food items into these hampers that will delivered by those who voluntarily signed up to take them to specific locations on Dec. 17 after school.
A sincere thanks was extended to all who participated and came out to support such a great cause.