SASKATOON – The inaugural Healthy Kids Classic hockey tournament hit the ice this weekend. The three-day event brought 24 novice to bantam hockey teams from across Alberta and Saskatchewan to Saskatoon.
Close to $50,000 was raised in support of the local children’s hospital foundation and minor hockey development initiatives. The new Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan is scheduled to open in 2019.
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Lisa Sands, philanthropy director at the hospital, says the tournament is very timely.
“The Children’s Hospital Saskatchewan construction is underway right now, we need the money more than ever.”
In addition to raising money, the event hopes to promote active healthy living, philanthropy, sportsmanship and teamwork.
“What the tournament concept is all about is kids not just thinking about themselves, but thinking about others and giving back,” said tournament founder Steve Serdachny.
“We asked them to go into their community with their parents, grandparents and businesses to try to raise awareness for the Saskatchewan children’s hospital and also to raise some funds to help build this hospital so kids can be healthy.”
“I haven’t been in one of these tournaments yet and it’s really good to help out other people in the community and raise money for other children in need,” said tournament player Spencer Scornaienchi.
The top five fundraisers were given autographed NHL jerseys. Six-year-old Jacobie Sands raised $1,400 and contributes his success to the help of his dad.
“I tried hard,” says Sands.
Organizers say this year’s tournament was a huge success and look forward to making it an annual event.
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