KENTVILLE, NS – A Kentville peewee hockey team is giving back in Kentville and hopes to win a national prize that would see them win thousands to donate to a charity.
The C1 Peewee team, part of the Acadia Minor Hockey Association, is coached by Joe MacDonald, and will soon enter the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup competition, which will select ten finalist teams from across Canada based on the good deeds they’ve done in their communities.
If they win, the team will receive a trophy and $15,000 to give to any local charity of their choice.
“We’re all pretty excited about this. This is a major team building exercise, and is great for the community,” said MacDonald.
How the team is giving back
The contest is open only to peewee teams, on which players are typically 10 to 12 years old.
MacDonald said his players were on board as soon as he mentioned the competition, and have chosen to collect items for the food bank. Their campaign has been called ‘Fill the Net,’ with players aiming to collect items to fill an entire goalie net.
A drop-box sits in front of the rink for each player to donate a non-perishable food item at each game and practice. Several visiting teams have also brought items with them to donate.
The team will be at the New Minas Sobeys Saturday, Dec. 9, collecting donations at a table by the store’s entrance.
All donations will be brought to the food bank next week, and the players will help stock the items on the shelves.
A video of the team’s good deed will be submitted to the contest by Dec. 31, after which they’ll wait to see if they make the top 10 teams chosen from across Canada.
What giving back means to the players
The contest involves only peewee teams, on which players are typically from 10 to 12 years old.
The players have been feeling really good about giving back. Aidan MacDonald, 10, says he’s enjoyed the fundraising and team bonding experience a lot.
“Everyone may not have food, so we donate and it helps,” he said.
Teammate Silas Conlin-Morse, 12, said his favourite part about giving back is helping people.
“Not everyone has the good we do, being able to afford to play sports and stuff, so maybe these food bank donations will help them,” he said.
Another player, ten-year-old Owen Smiley, said, “bringing in all the food for people makes them feel like they're being cared for and appreciated.”
MacDonald is proud of his players who are learning so much about good deeds through this experience.
“It’s so important for these kids to get involved with giving back at this young age. It teaches them a lot, and it’s good for the community, so everyone wins,” said the coach.
“Helping the community is what it’s all about.”
