West Kelowna

The West Kelowna Warriors hosted their first ever regular season School Game Tuesday as they entertained close to 1400 students from West Kelowna/Peachland.

Photo: Contributed

Back Row: Grant MacWilliam Food Bank Director, Brett Zarazun, Matthew Berry-Lamontagna. Front row: Marcus Basara, Shawn Hochhausen, Max French and Steve Francis

While the Warriors fell 4-3 in overtime to the Penticton Vees Tuesday morning, the Westside Community Food Bank came out big winners.

Students attending the game were encouraged to bring non-perishable food, or a small cash donation to the game in support of the food bank.

The Warriors, the students, and other fans were able to raise $1,000 cash, and fill two apple bins full of food.

Wednesday, several Warriors players including Max French, Shawn Hochhausen, Marcus Basara, Brett Zarazun, and Matthew Berry-Lamontagna delivered the food and cash to the Food Bank with Stuntman Steve!

“I’ve played in big arenas before, but yesterday (Tuesday) the buzz inside our barn was nothing like I’ve experienced before,” says Warriors sniper Marcus Basara. 

“Since I’ve been here I know our team thrives on giving back to the community and the schools, so this is just another huge extension of that obviously.”

Subway, Booster Juice, and the Warriors made it possible for the kids to come to the game for free, aside from the donations.

The Warriors wish to thank the following schools for attending Tuesday's game and making such a huge charitable donation:

• Glenrosa Elementary
• Helen Gorman Elementary
• Hudson Road Elementary
• Chief Tomat Elementary
• Peachland Elementary
• Our Lady of Lourdes
• Sensisyusten