Catherine Reynolds | Nov 08, 2017


Local hockey families will be celebrating their rural roots this January in true country style.

“Our annual dance this year is a Redneck Hoedown,” confirms Lisa Greenwood, a lead organizer of the Storrington Stingers Hockey Association’s annual fundraising dance to be held at Storrington Lions Hall on Jan. 20.
One of the most popular events of the year in Frontenac County, the dance is an important fundraiser for the hockey club which has been running for approximately 60 years.
“We sell-out every year,” says Greenwood with a smile. “People get excited just to know our theme.”

A resident of Battersea and volunteer with the association for the past 10 years, the married mother of one contributes the event’s success to the tightknit community in Storrington.
“Residents take care of each other,” says Greenwood proudly. “Many of the children develop lifelong bonds when they start hockey together at five or six years old and continue to play until they are 18. Along the way, parents become friends. The entire process makes the community closer, stronger and better. Our hockey club is just an extension of an incredible district in Frontenac County.”

According to Greenwood, a small army of volunteers works hard to make the event bigger and better every year.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” she admits with a laugh. “We set our expectations high and work to outdo ourselves every year.”

Reflecting back to last year’s dance and its winter wonderland theme, Greenwood notes, “I had my most fun last year.. We had a lot of positive feedback after that event which made it worth the time and effort. We’re hoping for similar results this year.”
Although most of the food, prizes and raffle items are donated to the dance, expenses such as music and decorations are covered by revenue from the sale of poinsettias; a fundraiser by the club held in late November/early December.

“This time of year is pretty crazy,” admits Greenwood from a busy manufacturing plant in Kingston where she has worked for the past 22 years.
“We’re accepting poinsettia orders until Nov. 25 and the plants will be delivered on Dec. 6.”
According to Greenwood, profits from the dance are directed back to the players.

“What’s raised at the dance goes to the players’ end-of-year party,” she says. “Approximately 115 players and volunteers receive a memento of their hockey year.”
The club will also use the money to replace jerseys and purchase socks.

“We’re always getting new jerseys,” she says thoughtfully. “Thankfully, sponsors also help out because jerseys cost a lot.”
Grateful for the support of the community, Greenwood is looking forward to another successful fundraiser in support of the local hockey club.

“I enjoy doing this,” she replies when asked to describe her involvement. “I love being hands-on. I love to see the kids and parents enjoying their hockey season.”
To order a poinsettia or reserve tickets to the Storrington Stingers hockey dance on Jan. 20, please call Lisa Greenwood at 613-353-7561 or text 613-770-1017.

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