It’s one more sleep for some hockey players who will be putting their skating skills to the test to raise funds for a wheelchair lift van for Border City Connects.
Forty-four players will look to extend their ‘Lloydminster noon-hour hockey league’ skills over a 12-hour period for the Play It Forward fundraiser at the Civic Centre, Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The goal being to net $65,000 to go towards the van with a price tag of $115,000. The group has already sourced $50,000 in available grants.
Aaron Buckingham, Business Development manager with Border City Connect says while they have a specific need, they intend to make this an annual event as there is always an operational need. He’s encouraging people to come down to the Civic Centre even as they are making provisions for those who have other commitments.
“It will be livestreamed on our Border City Connects social media and you can make online donations right there. As a matter of fact, the online piece has opened up as of Sunday and you can go to BorderCityConnects.com now to see a full list of all 44 players and you can make your donation today, all the way up to and including the day of.”
Border City Connects is partnering with the Lloydminster Bobcats who will be running the food and concessions with proceeds going to the Bobcats.
Buckingham says they are thankful to all the players who have stepped up both their endurance levels and have already got some pledged donations to go towards the final tally. He shares about the demand for the existing vehicles in their fleet.
“I don’t think people realize how busy those vans are. Both in town, we have contracts getting physically challenged people to schools. We do in-town and out-of-town medical appointments. We have the trishaw to take seniors out. We have the paragolfer for people who are paraplegic can get out and enjoy that game.”
Admission is by donation and Buckingham adds anyone wishing to come and make a donation is more than welcome to come to the Civic Centre on Friday.
“Maybe on your lunch break. Your staff wants to come down and watch a little hockey over the lunch break and support the Bobcats and have a burger and watch a little game and make a donation. You’re welcome to come down anytime you want during the day.”