Hockey Game Raises Funds, Builds Community

Jeff Green | Dec 14, 2022

In late November, Adam Peters, who is with the OPP Auxiliary, thought it might be an idea to change up the annual food bank fundraiser that the Frontenac detachment runs.

He came up an idea of a hockey game between members of the detachment and the South Frontenac Fire department might draw a crowd, so he talked to his detachment commander and the fire department, and they were both interested.

“I then contacted Tim Laprade [manager of Recreation and Facilities] at the township to see if the arena had any open ice time. He said there were two hours open on December 11, and that the arena would cover the cost of the ice. “It didn’t leave much time to get organised, but we went ahead with it anyway.”

With a few phone calls the two teams were assembled and word got out about the event through social media. Even though the weather on Sunday was not ideal, over 150 people showed up at the arena ready to have a good time.

When asked who won the game, Peters said, diplomatically, “let’s just say the food bank was the real winner of the game”. “The game of hockey brought the community together from the playing of O Canada to the final buzzer, it was a great night that was all about the food bank”

The Food Bank did win, as 345lbs of food and $2425 in cash was raised. All of the proceeds were donated to the Southern Frontenac Community Services Food Bank the very next day. Plans are already started for a second annual grudge match in 2023.

Organisers would like to thank: South Frontenac Fire and Rescue, Portland District Firefighters Association, Frontenac OPP, Frontenac OPP Auxiliary, Frontenac Community Arena staff, on and off-ice officials, and South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal, who dropped the ceremonial first puck.

“The biggest thank you goes to the people who came out and donated to a great cause,” said Peters.