The town of Wilkie is gearing up for a big presentation this Sunday after becoming one of the finalists for Kraft Hockeyville.
On November 3, the town will be holding a cheque presentation at the Saskcan Community Centre between 2 and 3:30 p.m.
Hockeyville is an annual competition sponsored by Kraft Heinz where the winning community receives money to upgrade their local hockey rink. Wilkie was chosen as one of the finalists for 2019 and received the runner-up prize of $25,000. Recreation Director for the town of Wilkie, Lori Fenrich, says the upgrades are needed for their minor league teams.
“Our minor hockey rooms are old and dated and definitely need some TLC and attention. We’re looking forward to upgrading those rooms for the kids. They spend a lot of time at this rink and to give them a better facility and dressing room will be appreciated by the kids.”
Not only are they receiving a donation from Hockeyville but other Saskatchewan residents are pitching into the project including former Dragons’ Den panellist W. Brett Wilson.
“Brett Wilson decided to kick in $25,000 from himself and the Nelson family from Lloydminster decided to match it with another $25,000. We were very lucky to have both of them donate towards our arena.”
Fenrich says they found out about the matching donations a few hours after hearing they were one of the finalists for the competition. Kraft Heinz will also be making another donation to the Wilkie food bank in the near future.
“10,000 pounds. We’re trying to work that into our brains how much food that actually is but it’s a lot.”
Saskatchewan born and former NHL player Mike Sillinger will hold an autograph session at the presentation as well as play a game of Shinny.