U9 Caps give back to community

WHEATLEY — The Southpoint Capitals U9 Travel team recently held a team fundraiser to help the Wheatley Food Bank and Wheatley Community Chest and raised over $1,000 in cash, toys and food donations.

The team called their fundraiser Operation Christmas Assist, which tied hockey into the title of the event.

Team manager Michelle Reid was thrilled with the outcome.

The U9 Capitals present their donations to Susan Fulmer, left, of the Wheatley Area Food Bank. In the back are coaches Jeff Reid, Jeff Bailey and Steve Bradley. Back row of players, from left, are Colton Friesen, Travis Friesen, Mason Reid, Oliver Ingratta, Luke Enns, Logan Heide, Rowan Wall, Lucas Toth. In the front row are Alexander Rutgers, Balokia Raffoul, Easton Flaming, Jace Lalonde, Mason Hutchins and Nolan Bradley. Absent for the photo were Dax Glasier, Bryce Bailey and Myla Walker-Smith.

Photo submitted

“The initial goal I set was $300 in cash donations and as many toys and cans we could collect,” she said. “We blew that out of the water!”

In all, the squad raised $715 in cash donations, $75 in gift cards, two turkeys, and numerous food and toy donations.

After their home game on Saturday, December 11, the team presented the money and items to Susan Fulmer of the Wheatley Area Food Bank.

“I’m very proud of our team and the difference this donation will make to many local families, especially this year when many have been displaced by the Wheatley explosion,” said Reid. “We felt very strongly about teaching our players the importance of giving back, especially during the holiday season. We plan to make it an annual fundraiser.”