By Taylor Chartrand

Brooks hockey teams raise funds for Druar family

Jan 27, 2019 | 5:11 PM

Brooks, AB – The sudden death of Redcliff’s Dexter Druar has communities across the province showing their support for the Druar family.

Cities and towns throughout Alberta have been hosting fundraisers and making donations to alleviate some of the financial burden for Dexter’s funeral costs.

One community that stepped up was Brooks, as the Brooks Minor Hockey Novice and Timbits teams hosted a fundraiser this afternoon.

“This family is hurt,” explained Brooks hockey mom Tara Irwin. “They’re going through a really hard time right now and we don’t know them, so we can’t physically hug them. This is our hug.”

The fundraiser itself had numerous things going on including a BBQ, bake sale, bottle drive and street hockey for the kids.

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“You know, there’s a lot of good out there, even though sometimes we don’t see it,” said Brooks hockey mom Lisa Jennings. “Everybody pulls together and we’ll do what it takes to help out a family.”

Between Redcliff and Brooks, there’s nearly 100 kilometers of separation, but that didn’t make this tragedy any less important.

“It doesn’t matter what community or sport,” said Brooks hockey mom Rhonda Loo. “But, hockey definitely has that big canopy of love, you know? It’s just amazing seeing everyone wanting to come and be a part of it. It’s just a family thing.” 

Brooks and Redcliff may be rivals on the ice, but all of that is set aside when tragedy strikes.

“Yeah, rivalries definitely go away for stuff like this,” said Brooks Minor Hockey Vice-President Brent Pediger. “We would hope that if something like that happened to one of our kids, that other communities would help out and we’re doing the same.”

Even though the fundraiser was meant to send positive vibes Redcliff’s way, there was a heavy presence of emotion in the air.

“It hits you right in the heart. It’s devastating,” said Loo.

“I just couldn’t imagine going through what they’re going through right now,” said Irwin. “I have a child close to that age and it would be devastating for sure.”

All the proceeds raised from the Brooks fundraiser will go to support the Druar family.

Dexter’s celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m tomorrow (Monday, January 28) at the Canalta Centre.

The service is open to the public and those wanting to attend are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey.