Saturday, June 14th saw the inaugural “Taking It To The Street” charity event, bringing together a community of volunteers, passionate hockey players and dedicated sponsors … all for a common cause.
The focus of the day’s events was “Help Fill A Dream Foundation,” a charity that ignites hope in the lives of children with life-threatening conditions, helping over 60 families a year on Vancouver Island.
Twelve teams battled it out, old school street hockey style, to raise money for this amazing cause. Volunteers were hardworking and dedicated to make everyone’s experience memorable. Sponsors also donated generously to make the event possible.
Packed with action, popcorn and sugar, the crowd witnessed Michael Forbes (Ocean 98.5), Sue Hodgson (Owner of Seaside Magazine), Craig Smith (Executive Director, Help Fill A Dream), and Matt Pettinger (professional hockey player)present Kelley Slater, a young boy with cystic fibrosis, with his dream to play in Sweden with his hockey team.
Kelley’s family and friends surrounded him as he also received a signed hockey stick from San Jose Sharks player Matt Irwin. The excitement on Kelley’s face brought a wave of celebration among the crowd.
The inspiring day ended with a raffle, championship game and celebrity game featuring Kelley and Matt Pettinger playing side by side. Kelley’s story, and Help Fill A Dream’s mission, left all who participated with warmth in their hearts and an indescribable sense of hope.
The day saw many generous donations and huge support for Help Fill A Dream Foundation. A grand total of $12,081 was raised to help support families and children like Kelley who benefit so much from the hope Help Fill A Dream Foundation gives them.
All event photography is courtesy of Jo-Ann Way. For a full album of event photos visit http://www.nuttycake.com/Vault/Events/Seaside-T2S/. For a gallery of the Four Frames photo booth shots from the day, visit http://tinyurl.com/owuxyk7; password is “streethockey.”
Photos: Practicing for the big game. Sue Hodgson, Owner, Seaside Magazine presents the fundraising cheque to Kelley Slater; Craig Smith, Executive Director, Help Fill A Dream; and Denyse Koo, President, Help Fill A Dream. The road hockey tournament begins. Game faces on. Craig Smith, Executive Director, Help Fill A Dream; and Sue Hodgson, Owner, Seaside Magazine, still smiling after a very early morning of prep. Town crier Kenny Podmore reads the proclamation to officially begin Taking It To The Street. First place: Peninsula Co-op. Four Frames Photo Booth team and Seaside’s Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Moss smile for the camera. Seaside Publisher Sue Hodgson tells the story of how it all began: a chance encounter with Help Fill A Dream father Brian Losie. Allison Smith, Editor, Seaside Magazine; Jill Howard, Head of Telus Source Solutions volunteers; and Denyse Koo, President, Help Fill A Dream, are ready to register the players! Central Saanich Firefighter Rob Syverson gets an encouraging hug before the big game. Victoria Royals’ mascot Marty the Marmot drops the puck in the celebrity game. TD Volunteers (with Sue Hodgson) staff the BBQ! The Jupamda team, along with volunteers, gets the crowd revved up. The celebrity team after a great game Panorama Recreation’s always-popular bouncy castle!
