Last Thursday, someone left a note on the door of the Heald Park outdoor rink in Riverside.
The note called the volunteer maintenance crew disparaging names.
But on Family Day, Medicine Hat rallied behind the volunteers to show their appreciation.
Ron Schaerer volunteers at the rink and said he wasn’t surprised that the community banded together.
“See, this is what it takes. A letter like this to get the community to come together like this,” Schaerer said.
“It shouldn’t have to, but it did and I appreciate all the help and all the people coming out,” he said.
“I love you guys and this is what makes the community happy.”
After the letter circulated on social media, it left community members like Sophia Mcintyre hurt and confused.
“I was actually quite hurt honestly because I grew up here and I grew up with Ron,” Sophia said.
“It really sucks to see that people don’t have the patience and don’t know the full story and they just take it out on people that are just there trying to clean up and trying to do their best,” she said.
Organizers gave out free hot chocolate and cookies to the nearly 100 who turned out.
In return, people left kind notes for Schaerer and his partner.
Some even donated cash and with over $200 raised, organizers hope Schaerer and his team can invest in a heated jacket or tools to help make the job easier.
Jesse McIntyre played a hand in organizing the event and had nothing but praise for Schaerer.
“He is very selfless, he works really hard, he loves his community,” Jesse said.
“He grew up in Riverside, he’s lived out on 2nd street his whole life,” she said.
“He’s just a good person and I think more good people should be recognized. He holds a special place in our family.”
The Medicine Hat Cubs made an appearance.
Captain Callen Prosofsky thanked Schaerer in a small speech.
“Lots of guys like myself have grown up on these rinks and it’s how we kind of fell in love with the game,” Prosofsky said.
“We just wanted to show up for you and thank you for what you’ve done for the community,” he said.
“It means a lot to use and thank you so much for that.”
Schaerer said that he doesn’t plan on hanging up the shovel any time soon.
“Thank you very much, community. Thank you very much.”
