Giving back to those who give back NACI Tigers Hockey donate to Victoria Quilts Canada

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Victoria’s Quilts Canada provides handmade quilts to people living with a cancer diagnosis. By providing the quilts, they hope to bring physical and spiritual comfort to those affected, letting them and their families know that they are not alone in their struggle.

Audrey Heffell spoke on behalf of Victoria Quilts and thanked the hockey team for this tremendous amount of support “It’s just overwhelming.

We get wonderful donations from people across the Neepawa area. And, it’ll be a hundred dollars, here, 50 [dollars] there. Every donation adds up. But to receive an amount such as this at one time, is amazing for these young men to have done this,” said Heffell.

The members of the Neepawa branch of Victoria Quilt Canada, are able to construct about 300 quilts every year to distribute. For 2023, they have, to date, put together just over 100 quilts for distribution.

NACI Tigers defenceman Ward Brister, along with several other graduating members of the team, presented the cheque to Victoria Quilts on Thurs - day, June 1. Brister said this fundraising effort has become an important tradition for the players, coaches and other supporters of the squad.

“It means a lot for the team to be able to take part in a fundraising effort like this, that does everything it can to support local groups, like Victoria’s Quilts, that do so much for the community. Some of the players even have family members affected by that,” stated Brister. “My family has been directly affected, as well. My mom was diagnosed with cancer and one of the first thing she received was a quilt and she loves it. These types of gestures matter and we’re proud to help groups like Victoria Quilts in any way we can.”

Each year, the Neepawa Tigers and their supporters raise funds for local programs through a progressive 50/50, a puck toss, a 50/50 held at the game and the players making and selling candy bags for several weeks prior to the game. This year, all those efforts brought in an amazing $5,400, which will be given to a few programs that support cancer patients right here in Neepawa.

Turn

I was born and raised in the Philippines then migrated to Canada back in 2014. I then started a job at a couple of fastfood restaurants and at Hylife before I landed a job in the car industry where I spent my last 6 years selling cars. My biggest achievement in the car industry was being named top 3 in overall sales in Murray Auto Group back in 2021.

Ever since I got introduced to sales, I just fell in love with it. The way I interact with people and see all the smiles after a successful deal is priceless.

In my free time, you will see me spending time with my loving wife and son. Cooking for them is one of my favourite thing to do. I also love to play basketball and ride my bike.

I believe that if you do good and be fair, people will come after you.

Denver Dela Cruz, Realtor®

204-212-1229 www.denverdelacruz.com denver.delacruz@century21.ca