The sixth annual Kimmett Cup, set to take place at Mitford Pond and the Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) Centre Jan. 17-18, is still in search of volunteers and donations.
With a $100,000 goal in mind, the annual charity hockey tourney is midway to their goal to make dreams come true for 10 kids through the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“A volunteer from (the 2013) Kimmett Cup happened to work for the Children’s Wish and mentioned they would like to partner with us,” explained Kimmett Cup organizer, Joe MacLellan.
“We felt like this was a charity that everybody who participates in the Kimmett Cup could connect and identify with. It fit with the goals of the foundation and certainly fit with our own individual ideals, as well. It was just a perfect fit all around.”
The foundation is the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation, set up in honour of the late Dr. Lindsay Kimmett, a young, highly accomplished Cochrane woman who lost her life in a senseless distracted driving accident Feb. 17, 2008.
The Kimmett family started the foundation with a goal to continue to help local and global fundraising initiatives, namely charities that help underprivileged children in some way.
To date, the foundation, administered through the Cochrane Foundation, has raised over $1 million since its 2008 inception.
Some 48 teams, or 428 players, will be lacing up and hitting the sheets at Mitford Pond and the SLS Centre next weekend, roughly the same numbers as last year.
The tourney is still in search of more female players. Volunteers are always encouraged to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.
Kelly Kimmett said that those heading to Mitford Pond will be able to use the pavilion area built in 2013, namely thanks to the 2012 Kraft Celebration Tour and additional grant monies.
“The pavilion at Mitford Pond is now complete and being used by the skaters and winter picnickers,” explained Kelly.
“For the Kimmett Cup it will have removable, customized tarps attached to it to provide warmth and protection for the players and the two wings will be heated. The structure fits very well into the natural beauty of the park and we hope it will be well used year-round. It will be a beautiful setting in the summer for an acoustic musical performance or even a play in the park.”
Kelly said online donations can be made through kimmettcup.com, by clicking on ‘Children’s Wish’. People are also encouraged to purchase raffle tickets at Grand Avenue Pharmacy for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to the U.S. to see either their favourite pro sports team or musician in concert.
People who can help sell raffle tickets can contact Reid Kimmett at 403-554-0415; those who wish to volunteer, play in the tourney or donate a silent auction item can contact Jason Baserman at 403-835-8301 or email [email protected].
