Mayor’s hockey challenge raises $3,000 for food banks
By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on November 29, 2022.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen was joined by other city representatives and community partners for his second annual Mayor’s Community Hockey Challenge on Sunday at the ATB Centre.Hyggen’s Mayor’s team defeated the City Partners team 8-5.
This year’s event raised $3,000 total, which includes 240 pounds of donations and gifts and $2,000 in monetary contributions.
The charity hockey game was a fundraiser for local food banks to help them meet the needs for growing service.
“It’s awesome,” said Hyggen. “It’s been a couple of years of pretty rough times with COVID. We managed to get out last year for the first time and raised about $4,500, which was great. We’re trying to break a record, trying to get up to $5,000 is our goal which is great and it’s all about the food bank. We’re seeing so many people that use the food bank that haven’t used them in the past. And so you know what, we thought this is the best charity to be able to put these funds towards.”
Hyggen said it’s great to be able to see them at this level, when asked about the city and community partners involved.
“It’s fun,” said Hyggen. “We’ve been back and forth between the two dressing rooms. You know on the ice you might see it’s a little tense out there. But you know what, we’re all doing it for the right reason and for the cause of the food banks.”
Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge executive director, Danielle McIntyre said in a press release the Lethbridge community continues to give generously to those in need.
“It’s inspiring to see our leadership encouraging the Spirit of Giving!” says McIntyre. “We’re grateful to see so many community members coming out in support of our local food banks at a critical time when so many citizens are having to turn to us for help. It is never too late to give, and we encourage participation in community collections, online giving and upcoming events that will ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy a Merry Christmas. Most importantly, we hope the generosity will continue so there is enough food on the table for everyone year round.”
Lethbridge Hurricanes assistant coach Matt Anholt was playing on the Community Partners team with fellow assistant coach Ryan Aasman, play-by-play broadcaster Dustin Forbes and some of the players were out participating in a sledge hockey game at the intermission.
“I mean I think just showing that you’re not just the Lethbridge Hurricanes, like their own entity,” said Anholt. “You know, just showing face, coming to games, coming to all minor hockey events, coming to charity events like this, just shows that we want to be a part of the community and that’s a big part of it. When people see that, (it) makes kids be like, ‘Well let’s go to the game mom and dad, please’. I talked to Jett Jones at that charity event last weekend and it helps us maybe get some different families out.” 2
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