Not everyone gets the chance to meet their sports idols, but for a group of young hockey fans, they will get to do just that this weekend while also being part of an important local fundraiser.
This Sunday, members of the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts will lace up their skates to help make 120 dreams come true during the 18th annual Colt For A Day charity hockey game at Sadlon Arena.
The event, which to date has raised more than $210,000 in support of local charitable organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District, provides kids between the ages of six and 11 the chance to hit the ice for a game with local OHL players.
“It's an opportunity for local youth to play hockey alongside their local heroes, the Barrie Colts,” said Kempenfelt Rotary Club member and event chair Eric Dionne, adding the partnership between the local team and Kempenfelt Rotary Club is also one of the longest-standing events for their group.
In addition to a game on the Sadlon Arena ice, participants will receive professional photos prior to the game with two Colts players, a game, as well as a pizza lunch and autograph session with the OHLers.
Registration for the event was $99, with the money raised being used primarily to support Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Barrie and District, Dionne noted.
“All the funds raised through sponsors and participation goes back into the community,” he told BarrieToday. “There will be 120 participants on Sunday, and of that 20 are sponsored by local Rotarians … which means they will get to enjoy the event free of charge.”
Events like this, Dionne noted, are a great way to create community partnerships as well as provide opportunities for local youth to get a little bit closer to the team.
“One of the many reasons I became a Rotarian is that I was a Big Brother before and my Little Brother was invited to participate, and I thought it was a really cool event," he said. "For me, when I look at the children from Big Brothers and Big Sisters — and other local children that participate — it’s just so nice to see their smiles.
"We will get thank-you letters after the event saying that the event was the highlight of their year sometimes,” Dionne added. “Over the years, we’ve had to ask for the children to only show up about 40 minutes before the event because they’d show up so early and then have to wait so long. The children definitely look up to the players and it’s a good opportunity for them to be at ice level with them."
Dionne said each participant gets to keep their jersey from the event.
"We will see the jerseys from five and more years ago and the children will still be wearing them because they’re so proud to be participating in the event," he added.
Although the final numbers have yet to be tallied, Dionne told BarrieToday he’s feeling pretty confident that this year’s Colt For A Day will exceed its goal to raise $10,000.
