On December 14, two Airdrie Minor girls hockey teams donated fifty turkey to the Airdrie Food Bank, and got an important lesson in the value of giving back.

The two teams fundraised over $500 dollars, and partnered with Sobeys to get the turkeys. Around twenty players from both teams, plus coaches, managers and parents, helped drop off the turkeys at the Food Bank. Afterwards, the girls were given a tour of the Food Bank and got to meet with organizers and volunteers.

"It was educational for them because they got to see the Food Bank and they got to meet with Food Bank organizers and volunteers who got to explain the positive effect that those turkeys would have in the community," explained coach Ray Hoppins," It was a great event. Everybody pitched in but also got a little bit of education and enlightenment about what it means to help others and serve others."

Hoppins says fundraisers and events like these are a vital part of developing young athletes into leaders.

"I think when you coach and when you develop children and athletes, you hope that they not only gain skills related to the sport, but you hope that they develop leadership skills and you hope that they become stronger citizens as a result of the experience. I think an important thread that is woven through leadership and citizenship is serving those less fortunate than you are. This experience serves as a reminder that we have a duty to pay it forward."

Hoppins especially thanked Airdrie Sobeys for partnering with the teams to provide turkeys, and also Garrett Litosky, a local parent that was instrumental in putting the fundraiser together.

 

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