The organizer of the CF Strong Cup says she has already surpassed her goal to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis – and the hockey tournament still has two more days to go.
“It’s running smoothly and I think everybody is having a lot of fun,” said an excited Cochranite Jenna Dillon.
The 3-on-3 novice competition got underway at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre yesterday and continues with games until Friday afternoon. The tournament sold out in October, with 40 children ages seven and eight participating in the three-day event.
Dillon organized the holiday hockey games earlier this fall as a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis – a genetic and life-shortening disease that affects the body’s organs. About 400 Albertans are currently living with CF, including Dillon’s young daughter Georgia, who was diagnosed at two weeks old.
To help bring in money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Dillon’s friends, families affected by CF, as well as Cochrane businesses like The Forzani Group, Shoppers Drug Mart, Garmin and Half Hitch Brewing Company, all donated more than $1,500 worth of raffle items – including Helly Hansen outdoor gear, an X Box One, Flames tickets, a jersey signed by TJ Brodie, and a flight of eight bottles of wine.
The raffle runs until Friday, with tickets at $2 each or 10 for $10 for the smaller prizes, and $5 a piece (or 5 for $20) for the larger ones. Draws will take place Friday morning before the tournament’s final matches.
Harvey the Hound – the mascot of the NHL’s Calgary Flames – will also drop the puck for the CF Strong Cup’s gold medal game at 11:15 p.m.
