By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
Kirkland Oldtimers Hockey League (KOHL) raised more than $40,000 for local charities at this year’s seven-day hockey tournament. The Oldtimers have raised more than $1 million during the past 29 years.
Eleven divisions made up of 44 teams competed for their respective first places. The roster included the newly added women’s division, the 60-plus division and the men’s division along with four 50-plus divisions and five 35-plus divisions.
This year’s major sponsors were WestJet, which donated a trip for two anywhere in North America, and CCM Reebok, which contributed $1,000 worth of hockey equipment.
“A silent auction and raffle helped bring in some funds but the main fundraising comes from the registration and program book, which alone raised $10,000 this year,” according to Mike Bussiere, president of the tournament.
“We are very proud of what comes out of the tournament” he stated. He explained that the total funds collected each year vary due to the economy and the expenses that are incurred. “But every cent raised goes straight to charity after the expenses are paid”.
Everyone got involved—the wives and girlfriends who cooked and served food set up a tip jar to collect money for a charity of their choice. KOHL matched every cent that they received. This year they sent the money to Canadian Tire’s Jump Start program. Jump Start helps Canadian families who can’t otherwise afford to enroll their children in sport or recreation activities.
During the past three decades, KOHL has donated to many other charities including West Island Palliative Care, NOVA West Island, AMCAL family services, Lakeshore General Hospital and the Montreal Children’s Hospital, which received $100,000 of its largesse.
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