The third annual Take it to the Streets Ball Hockey Tournament takes place Saturday, June 10 as a fundraiser for Matthew’s House in Abbotsford.
The event is held in the parking lot of Sevenoaks Shopping Centre and is played as a four-on-four format.
In its first two years, the event had dozens of teams involved, raising more than $8,000 for Matthew’s House, a service of Communitas Supportive Care Society that provides quality care to families whose children live with complex care needs.
Tournament director Chris Trendall said last year’s event attracted 20 teams.
“This year we’re hoping for the same or more. It seems to be growing each year and that is what we want,” he said.
Communitas entered a team in 2016, and they had such a good experience that they decided to participate again this year, entering two teams.
“We have 16 people participating this year,” said Laura Severn, who works in human resources at Communitas, and is organizing this year’s teams. “Some are staff, some are people we serve. I think it will be fun and I’m up for a challenge.”
This year’s team will wear jerseys provided by CIBC, which has also agreed to enter a team.
Paul McCracken, who played last year and will join again this year, said staff at Communitas are passionate about the agency’s programs and the work they accomplish.
“That’s also true of Matthew’s House,” said the employment specialist. “When you visit there, you can see what a special place it is, the huge hearts of the staff who work there and the joy of the kids who stay there.”
Visit takeittothestreets.ca to register or for more information.