Rick Stiebel/B次元官网网址 staff
Fill the house with Habs fans and help purchase a house for men on the road to recovery.
ThatB次元官网网址檚 the motivation for a fundraiser hosted by the Umbrella Society at The Q Centre featuring the Montreal Canadiens Alumni hockey team against a team of firefighters from Greater Victoria.
The event is new territory for the Umbrella Society, noted Sharlene Law, the SocietyB次元官网网址檚 executive director. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 our first ever fundraiser, so we decided to jump in with both feet and really go for it,B次元官网网址� said Law, who has been with the Umbrella Society for 10 years, the past two and a half as executive director. B次元官网网址淎n event like this should appeal to the whole family, and weB次元官网网址檝e added a lot to the game to make it very family friendly.B次元官网网址�
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That included a game of musical chairs on the ice during the first intermission that features a collection VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 most popular mascots in their colourful costumes. B次元官网网址淭he mascots will be interacting with kids throughout the game as well,B次元官网网址� Law added. Popular personality Cliff LeQuesne from The Q, the eventB次元官网网址檚 media sponsor, will handle announcing chores, and B.C. Premier John Horgan will drop the puck to kick off the festivities. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 kinda cool having the premier there,B次元官网网址� Law said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e also put together some amazing items for a silent auction, and thereB次元官网网址檚 a 50-50 draw.B次元官网网址� Auction items include a painting by a well-known artist of legendary Montreal goaltender Ken Dryden, a jersey autographed by members of the Vegas Golden Knights National Hockey League team, and some great sports memorabilia. The Q has also stepped up with a draw for some lucky fan to serve as an assistant coach.
One of the highlights is an incredible opportunity to play the game with the Montreal Canadiens Alumni in a personalized jersey through a live auction, Law said. Enter your bid at B次元官网网址淭he Thrill of a LifetimeB次元官网网址� link at umbrellasociety.ca.
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Hall of Famer Steve Shutt, part of the Canadiens powerhouse team that won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1976 to 1979, and Patrice Brisebois, a member of the 1993 Canadiens, the last team from Canada to hoist the Holy Grail, make up part of the Montreal Alumni squad, with the final roster revealed on January 10 on the Umbrella SocietyB次元官网网址檚 website.
Law canB次元官网网址檛 say enough about the Victoria Grizzlies efforts in sponsoring the event, which includes a reduced price for the Grizzlies game that follows the Canadiens Alumni game as part of a package deal available for both games. B次元官网网址淣one of this would be possible without the tremendous support weB次元官网网址檝e received from the Grizzlies,B次元官网网址� law said. B次元官网网址淭hey have been truly amazing partners.B次元官网网址�
Law is also extremely grateful to Langford Fire Rescue Capt. Brian Bell for his efforts in organizing the team that will include firefighters from across the Greater Victoria area. B次元官网网址楤次元官网网址淏rian was super excited to put a team together. Langford Fire Rescue has been a real partner. itB次元官网网址檚 a great opportunity for us to work together. So many first responders are impacted by the people we are trying to help.B次元官网网址� Residents from the societyB次元官网网址檚 recovery houses will be helping out at the event.
The Umbrella Society is a non-profit founded in 2000 dedicated to assisting people and youth with addiction and mental health issues in the Capital Region and the Gulf Islands. B次元官网网址淲e work with anyone who has an abuse problem,B次元官网网址� Law explained. B次元官网网址淲e get referrals from hospitals, the community, prisons,, addiction clinics and self referrals.B次元官网网址�
The society, which obtains its funding from Island Health, the United Way, the province, grants and donations, has four different programs, including outreach, housing, counselling and groups. B次元官网网址淲e work with families though a counsellor whoB次元官网网址檚 trained to specifically for that,B次元官网网址� Law said. B次元官网网址淎ll of our services are free, with the exception of housing.B次元官网网址� The Umbrella Society operates four different recovery houses, all of which are rented. Money raised at the Alumni game will go toward purchasing a second stage recovery house for men.
The event takes place Sunday, February 10 at 1 p.m.. Tickets for the Canadiens Alumni game are $20 per person, with packages that include the Grizzlies game at 3 p.m. for $30. A limited number of VIP tickets that include a meet and greet with members of the Montreal Canadiens alumni team are available as well at umbrellasociety.ca
rick.stiebel@goldstreamgazette.com
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