Food banks win after Mayor’s Community Hockey Challenge

In a game that saw some blistering slap shots and some mighty fine stick-handling from both sides, it was local food banks who came out on top at the Mayor’s Community Hockey Challenge over the weekend.

With approximately 615 pounds of food donations and gifts received plus almost $3,000.00 in financial contributions, the estimated total raised from the event is approximately $4,500.00.

“Our community really showed up on Saturday and helped to make a difference for those in need this holiday season,” says Mayor, Blaine Hyggen. “We had a lot of fun putting this event together and I want to thank everyone who was so generous with their time and contributions.”

Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge Executive Director, Danielle McIntyre says the Lethbridge community continues to give generously to those in need.

“The spirit of Christmas was alive and well at the Mayor’s Hockey Challenge and we are so grateful for the support received from our community,” says McIntyre. “The generosity at this time of year always astounds us, but this year was yet another one like no other. It warms our hearts to see that people are thinking of others, even when we’re all having a tougher go with things this year.”

Among those who contributed to the fundraising efforts and provided some skills on the ice was Exhibition Park CEO, Mike Warkentin.

“There are many vulnerable citizens in our community who are struggling, and the need for food security is even more pressing with the added impacts of the global pandemic,” says Mike Warkentin, Chief Executive Officer, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “With the rising cost of groceries, it’s important that we step up to help those in need during the holiday season.”

The game featured a team of Community Partners made up from many local institutions including Lethbridge College, the University of Lethbridge, the Chamber of Commerce, BILD Lethbridge and Alberta Health Services. The City team saw volunteers from a range of departments including Lethbridge Police Service, Fire & EMS, City Clerks, Land Development, Lethbridge Transit, City Council and Lethbridge 311.

Among those volunteering their time for the event were many of our local media partners including Dustin Forbes from KiSS 107.7, Connor Gunn from Lethbridge News Now and Sean Marks from CTV Lethbridge. Lending their vocal skills to providing in-game entertainment on the microphone was Jordan Karst from CJOC and Liam Nixon from Global Lethbridge.

Mayor Hyggen says plans to hold further community challenge events are already being discussed for 2022 and looks forward to finding new opportunities to give back to the community.

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