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Charity Hockey Game Raises Over $6,000
Charity Hockey Game Raises Over $6,000 for Tofield Handivan Society
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
The Tofield Handivan Society was the big winner at the CFCW Critters charity hockey game, netting over $6,000 from the Feb. 8 event.
An estimated crowd of 475 people were on hand to enjoy the carefree antics and horseplay of the cast and crew of the Critters, who’ve been entertaining folks for the past three decades. Since that time, they’ve helped raise $1.4 million for a variety of different charitable organizations in Alberta.
The Critters had just as much fun as members of the Tofield Fire Department who laced up to assist the local non-profit transportation service. Kevin Moos, Tofield Fire District Chief said, “The handivan society provides a very important service to our community. We were honoured to be asked to help raise funds and be able to put our amazing hockey skills on display. As usual, the community members came out to support the event and I think fun was had by all.”
Jim Warren, President of the Tofield Handivan Society, said there were 18 volunteers with the Tofield Lions Club, Tofield 4-H Beef & Multi Club, Tofield Minor Hockey Association, Tofield Golden Club and the Tofield Handivan Society who helped out in a variety of different ways to help make the event a success.
Warren himself has served as President for the past eight years and said the outgoing President at the time, who was also his neighbour told him, “You’re retiring, time you do something, and I got drafted!”
He is one of three board members. Back in 1990, a group of citizens formed an organization to raise funds for the purchase of a handivan. In 1996, the handivan was made available to groups in the community. It can also be rented.
It is the only mode of public transportation in Tofield, and Warren said it is a “vital service” that is utilized by citizens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for a very reasonable cost. The handivan can carry 18 passengers and can accommodate a maximum of four wheelchairs. It is the Town of Tofield that looks after the day to day operations of the handivan.
Vanita Eglauer, Town of Tofield Recreation-Facilities Coordinator, said they are still gaining momentum after COVID-19, but prior to that had 2,600 riders annually, 2,300 ambulatory riders and 300 riders with walkers and wheelchairs.
Eglauer said a total of $5,100 was raised during the event itself with another $1,000 arriving the following day with more donations continuing to trickling in.
