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It was a day for family, connection, community and raising money for a good cause.
The Ladner Leisure Centre was packed on Saturday, Jan. 31 for the fifth annual South Delta Minor Hockey Association Alumni fundraising tournament.
Event organizer Matt Ryan said they are still working out the final fundraising total, but it looks like $95,000 will be donated to the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation in support of Delta Hospital.
“Again, another super successful year. We anticipated we had a larger crowd than last year so every year, the tournament has just gotten bigger,” he said. “The comments that we get from people are just amazing. It’s a good cause. People are getting back together with friends and family. Parents and grandparents come out and see the kids who are now adults playing hockey. It is just a really fun community event.”
There were 12 teams total – 11 alumni teams and this year’s 12th team was a special guest team which was the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit or the CFSEU-BC hockey team.
Four Winds was the official beverage sponsor for the event, setting up a beer garden at the rink.
Ryan said their sponsorship accounted for probably $10,000.
“I don’t think they get enough credit for what they do for us. It’s just amazing,” he said. “Last year we hit a little over $100,000, so we are a bit down this year from our 50/50 sales, but still, it’s a great total.
“It’s amazing. I get the odd couple of minutes when I’m at the rink to take a moment and rest and one of the guys came over to me and said ‘stop and look around’, look at what you have all done. It’s a full rink with people having a good time for a good cause. It’s a testament that we have every team come back every year. I can’t thank enough the people that come out to support it. All our volunteers and board of directors. They all help to make this happen.”
Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation board vice chair Rick Boates said, “the fifth annual SD Hockey Alumni Society Charity Tournament is a wonderful celebration of teamwork, generosity, and community spirit. We are honoured to be one of the beneficiaries of this outstanding event. Thank you to Matt Ryan and the South Delta Minor Hockey Alumni Society Board, along with the players, sponsors, and supporters, for bringing the hockey community together in support of Delta Hospital.”
**Repost from Delta Optimist: Delta Optimist-Alumni tournament raises $95K for hospital foundation**
