Medicine Hat school’s hockey tournament fundraises for Make-A-Wish

Drayden Smith, a student who played in the tournament, had a schoolmate with cancer a few years prior.

“One of my friends in grade three, he had cancer when he was little,” he said.

“So it makes you feel good for raising money for all the kids that have cancer when they’re little.”

“It makes you feel good for raising money for all the kids that have cancer when they’re little,” said Smith. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

A child living with critical illness faces not only physical health challenges, but also mental and emotional burdens.

The Foundation says a wish granted can stir the strength and optimism that are crucial to fighting physical adversity.

Serr said the Foundation has been involved in fundraising with St. Patrick’s school for the past seven years.

“We’ve given wishes away to some boys and girls that have attended St. Pat’s School, so there’s a personal touch to it there,” she said.

“When the kids know that, and families know that, they just open up their hearts even more.”

Serr said students can identify with the cause, because some may know other children receiving a wish. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Dwayne Unreiner, principal of St. Patrick’s School, said the students understand the cause they are supporting with the Mini Sticks Tournament.

“Our division, our school- that’s kind of who we are, is ‘How do we serve the people around us?” he said.

“The ones that are in need, whether it be the poor, whether it be people that are maybe sick.”

Unreiner said Make-A-Wish is a great way to give back, as he says probably every school in the city has benefitted from the Foundation.

“Our school- that’s kind of who we are, is ‘How do we serve the people around us?” said Unreiner. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Other students of the school who played in the tournament spoke to the purpose behind the weekend’s tournament.

“We’re helping kids with cancer, and I just feel like this is a good way to do it because if you donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you’re helping out the community,” said Jaden Thompson.

“If you donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you’re helping out the community,” said Thompson. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

“If you’re having a hard life, and then someone donates money to you, that makes you happy,” said Alex Munoz.

“If you’re having a hard life, and then someone donates money to you, that makes you happy,” said Munoz. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Unreiner said the fundraiser is “a fantastic way for kids to serve other kids”.

The total amount raised from the tournament for the Make-A-Wish Foundation is pending.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Medicine Hat school’s hockey tournament fundraises for Make-A-Wish

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