The Dunbow Recreation Centre took a major step towards becoming a reality after a successful charity game and gala on April 16 in Okotoks.
The Foothills Centennial Arena played host to NHL and Calgary Flames alumni in a charity match while the evening’s gala at the Centennial Centre brought in significant donations to the cause.
Leading the way was Shannon Seaman who, on behalf of the Scott Seaman Sports Rinks Foundation, donated $250,000 to the construction of the proposed recreation centre to be built near Heritage Heights School in the MD of Foothills.
Flames alumni and local resident Sheldon Kennedy said the significant effort and progress made on the project was a motivating factor in securing the Seaman’s generous donation.
“All of the citizens of this area have shown that this is something that they want and it’s going to be real,” he said. “(The Seaman Arena Fund) has seen the effort and the professionalism that’s been put into making this happen.”
The Okotoks Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) also threw its support behind the project by pledging $100,000 to the multi-use facility which will include an indoor arena.
The OMHA donation came from a reserve fund designated for the support of community capital projects said OMHA president Robert Mercier.
He said Okotoks minor hockey was convinced it was a worthwhile cause thanks to the exceptional community support behind the project.
“The reason we’re supporting the project is because of the community support. When you get that kind of energy, it makes it much easier to support something of this magnitude. It’s a big undertaking,” Mercier said.
The construction of another arena in the area would remedy one of the biggest problems facing the OMHA.
“As an association, the biggest single issue we have facing us is a lack of ice,” Mercier said. “We do lose some kids who are discouraged by the length of time that they drive for games and practices and (the Dunbow Recreation Centre would) get the games closer to their home.”
Despite their significant donation, Mercier said the gala wasn’t about promoting the OMHA. Instead, it was about celebrating the significant support this community project has garnered.
“The night wasn’t about advertising for the OMHA,” he said. “It is about seeing the commitment and the amount of money that people are prepared to put toward a fundraiser like that.”
On top of the Seaman and OMHA donations, the game and gala itself raised $75,000 for the rec centre.
When combined with last year’s fundraising efforts, the Dunbow Recreation Board committee has raised a total of $554,000 towards the construction of the arena.
The Dunbow Recreation Board has committed to raise $1.25 million for the $5.8-million project.
Leading off the day’s festivities was the alumni game at the Centennial Arena.
The Flames and NHL alumni took on members of the Okotoks Midget AAA girls hockey team, Okotoks minor hockey coaches (nominated by their players) and a team of local firefighters.
“The cool thing about the hockey game is that we try to bring in as much of the community as we can,” Kennedy explained.
The Flames alumni were pleased to be part of the event, and several of them pledged to be back next year.
“According to all comments and everything, (the evening) was exceptional,” said Marica Law, gala organizer.
Among the several highlights of the event was the presentation of a Flames jersey, signed by all attendees, to Kennedy at the banquet in recognition of his hard work and charitable spirit.
Being designated as a “Hometown Hero” was a major honour for Kennedy, who was also humbled by the gesture.
“For me to be recognized was a huge shock and a huge honour,” he said. “This is absolutely not the Sheldon Kennedy show; everybody was doing and has done more than me. It’s just that I needed to do my part in giving back.”
Growing up in Elkhorn, MB, Kennedy witnessed his parents’ fundraising efforts in bringing the small town its first artificial ice surface.
That example of charitable work and giving back to the community is something the former NHLer has tried to model in his current hometown.
“For me, it’s almost expected that we give back in our communities and that we do what we can in our communities to make them better,” he said. “I’m just very honoured and I’m very proud to be a part of the MD of Foothills.”
Former Los Angeles Kings and current Flames broadcaster Charlie Simmer was also on hand to speak about his hockey origins.
Simmer had the crowd laughing at his stories of his days with the much-maligned and now defunct California Golden Seals – including an anecdote about having to paint their skates white to model the Oakland Athletics baseball club.
“They wondered why we were out of the playoff race by November,” Simmer mused, sarcastically.
Olympic champion Kyle Shewfelt was the featured speaker for the evening and delivered his message of perseverance and how dreams can come true.
Of particular inspiration to Shewfelt was a quote from fellow Olympian Mark Tewksbury, who said of his gold medal winning chances, “Why not me?”
That spirit drove Shewfelt to become the first gymnastics medalist in Canadian history, the impact of which is still felt by the Canadian sporting community.
The Calgary native also voiced his support for the Dunbow Recreation Centre by citing the need for a place where children can realize and chase their goals.
“A dream really can come true,” he said. “We want to support dreams.”
With all of the community support and good will on display, the visiting Flames and NHL alumni were moved by what they saw.
“They loved the people of the Foothills and Okotoks. They got treated very well and they love coming out and being able to just sit around the table and just talk and tell stories,” Kennedy said.
With the Dunbow Recreation Centre project growing ever closer to fruition, Law said it wouldn’t have been possible without all those who generously donated their time.
“We want to thank all of the volunteers, committee members, donors, all of the sponsors (and) everyone who attended because they’re the ones that really make this happen,” she said.
