It was the fundraiser organizers and volunteers felt the community needed and deserved, and it didn’t disappoint.
Last Saturday, NHL alumni from the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames hit the ice at the Centennial Civic Centre for the Boundary Ford Gives Boundary Battle of Alberta (BBOA).
The first BBOA took place in 2019 with funds raised supporting the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation’s (LRHF) Project Sunrise, a ment
al health initiative. Roughly $100,000 was raised through the 2019 Border Battle.
Funds from this year’s game haven’t been totalled yet, but all funds raised are being split between the LRHF, the Lloydminster Bobcats Junior A hockey team, as well as the Lloydminster Rescue Squad.
“It was a long time in the making to put this event on and bring everyone together, but it was a great success. We couldn’t be happier that everyone enjoyed their time and that we were able to give back to the three organizations we were supporting through this initiative,” said Carly Pollard, Boundary Ford’s marketing manager and Boundary Ford Gives chair.
Whether it’s entertainment on a Friday night, life-saving emergency services, or basic healthcare, Pollard knows the important role each of the three receiving organizations plays in the community, making them more than deserving of funding.
“We definitely exceeded our expectations and put on an event that had a lot of growth from the 2019 event,” said Pollard.
“We’ve also had a long break where we couldn’t get together, so it was fun to see the crowd, and I think this type of event was needed.”
Canadian Olympic gold medalist and former Calgary Flames forward Mason Raymond was one of many alumni players to hit the ice on Saturday and had nothing but great things to say of the day.
“First of all, it’s fun to be back on the ice. It’s been a while since I think a lot of us have been on the ice, especially with COVID, but it was tons of fun,” said Raymond.
“This is what we lived for so many years, to go out there and compete and have some fun, so when you can raise some good money, put a show on in front of some fans, come to a great blue-collar town like this, it’s great for the people and it’s a ton of fun for us.”
Lloydminster native and former Oilers Cory Cross echoed Raymond’s remarks and noted it’s always nice coming home.
“There’s lot of hard work that’s involved, and just seeing everybody come together and raise a lot of money for the organizations this year, it’s always great,” said Cross.
“I don’t play very much anymore, but it’s nice to come back with the Oilers and play in front of some people and see the family.”
LRHF CEO, Stephanie Munro, stated the health foundation was beyond grateful for the generous support of Boundary Ford Gives and they were honoured to be part of such a wonderful community event.
“Our foundation could not continue to provide the life-saving enhancements and innovations to healthcare we do without the generous support of our donors,” she said.
“It really was a magical day, to see so much joy brought to those attending and the community as a whole. Thank you to everyone that attended the event, Oilersnation, Oilers alumni, Calgary Flames alumni, the sponsors and volunteers … none of this could have been possible without each and every one of you. A special thank you to all of the organizers who pulled off another successful event for our community.”
Bobcats head coach and GM, Nigel Dube, who suited up for the Flames on Saturday with a couple of his players, said he and the team were thrilled to be a part of the day and greatly appreciate the support from Boundary Ford Gives.
“First and foremost, it was such a great event for our community. What a privilege to have the names of NHL players in our community,” he said.
“This event has such a positive impact on our community and organization. It helps the Lloyd rescue squad, LRHF and the Bobcats move forward each year and be so active in our community. Without the support of Boundary Ford Gives and events like BBOA, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do on a daily basis.”