For coach Maury Simoneau, this was about more than a picture in the paper or a spot on the radio.
It’s about teaching his Atoms 2 hockey team about giving back and hoping other teams do the same.
Through opening an account at the local Scotiabank, Simoneau’s team was entered into the Scotiabank Community Hockey program draw for $1000 to go towards team fees and expenses.
They did win the money but when Simoneau, along with the team manager and the other coaches realized they would have a surplus of funds, it was suggested they give it back to the community in order to show the kids the importance of helping out.
They decided to sponsor a Christmas hamper through the Humboldt Kinettes so one family can have a happy holiday.
“We chose the local Kinettes due to all the great work they do in the community.” Says Simoneau.
“And given the time of year, with Christmas coming, we thought buying a Christmas basket would be a good idea to get the kids involved.”
Christmas dinner and a toy will go to one family in the Humboldt area that is in need this Christmas.
Playing hockey costs quite a lot, says Simoneau, and his kids are lucky to be able to do that. Teaching his kids not to take that for granted was a big part of this initiative.
“Obviously there is a number of families who are less fortunate and kids that are less fortunate and don’t have that opportunity. We want to try and teach the kids that giving back to help make Christmas special for those kids is something to be very proud of.”
Susan Young with the Humboldt and District Kinettes this gift from the team shows the generosity of Humboldt.
“We’re raising them young to give back and it really is awesome that they are doing this for us.”
The team even called Patti Durand at Scotiabank in Humboldt to let them know what they were doing with some of the money.
“It resonated so strongly because community is so important to us. To benefit hockey and to pay it forward from there just means a lot.” Says Durand.
Showing the community that giving back is important was also big for Simoneau, he says. Showing other teams, no matter the sport, that it is possible to give back was a message he wanted to get out.
Making the experience memorable might help kids when they look back on their own careers.
“It wasn’t about the media, it is however something that might help imprint on the kids so when their older and playing minor sports, hopefully they remember this and can pass that along to their kids as well.” Says Simoneau.
