The management of the Lloydminster Bobcats will get a shot at sporting buzz cuts in the new year, once the community steps up for a mental health fundraiser spearheaded by the players.
Forward Jayven Leslie says the brainstorm occurred to him as he wanted some extra community involvement. He felt that since the team does a lot of work in the community, what about a slapshot for mental health to score one for the various school support programs.
“I thought, well what better way to do that than mental health – something that affects everyone so closely. It affects athletes, parents, children -kids that are still in school. Everyone goes through it in one way or another and for everyone it is severe at different levels for every person. So I thought why not try to do something to help bring awareness to the mental health side of things.”
The goal is to raise $25,000 for the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation and Project Sunrise to go to mental health programs in both Lloydminster school divisions. If the Bobcats hit the target by their Jan. 7, 2023 home game, then team management including GM and head coach Nigel Dube will be making a trip to the barber for a topside makeover.
“So I got in contact with the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. They were awesome. They let me come in and pitch my idea to them, and we’re going to have the team shave their heads; and management will shave their heads. All we have got to do is find $25,000 to donate to the local schools – the Lloydminster Catholic Division and the Lloydminster Public School Division; we will donate to them,” says Leslie.
CEO Stephanie Munro says she is incredibly impressed with the Bobcats unique fundraising initiative adding, “the parents, coaches and adults involved in these youth’s lives should be extremely proud of their philanthropic efforts.”
Details on making a donation for the mental health goal can be found on the Lloydminster Bobcats social media with a link to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation website.