South Okanagan RCMP won charity hockey challenge

Photo: RCMP

Law enforcement officers, protective services officials and first responders from all across the province descended on Merritt this past weekend to compete in a charity hockey fundraising event benefiting the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. 

The South Okanagan RCMP team took the top spot, but the real goal was to raise money for kids across the province. 

"So many of our players have had to make significant use of the province’s children’s hospital. This year we are honoured to be able to give back a donation of over $20,000 to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation," said Cpl. Derrick Ferris of Merritt RCMP.

Emergency first responders took to the ice inside the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena and the Shulus Community Arena over the weekend, where shootouts, overtime, and shift work was all part of raising much needed funds.

An estimated 175 hockey players on 14 teams, mainly consisting of frontline first responders, geared up to raise money for sick kids. 

The Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Challenge event’s current president and player is no stranger to doing his part to help children in need, the now 3-year bike rider for the Cops for Kids Ride, Cpl. Derrick Francis of the Merritt RCMP said.

"We host this tournament year after year for one reason: To help sick kids in each of our communities that we serve as first responders. We are proud of the huge support we received from the community and I’d like to thank our committee and volunteers, who donate countless hours of their time to make this event possible. Without their continued support we would not have been able to bring together the 14 teams, and members of the public who enable us to make a charity fundraising event like this so successful."