The stands at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) were packed for the annual Cochrane Classic Hockey Game between Cochrane High and Bow Valley High School March 23.
The game brought in $4,375 in support of the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank thanks to donations at the door and player pledges from students at both schools, plus a generous ice time donation from SLSFSC.
"I think it was one of the best turnouts we've ever had," said Lisa Gordon-Reece, a leadership teacher at Cochrane High.
"We were so pleased to see so many people out. I think we've all been waiting to get out for some events so it was really nice to see the stands full."
The game was put on hold the last two years due to the pandemic but with restrictions now lifted, leadership students and staff from the high schools brought the event together in quick time for its 19th year.
The long-standing tradition focuses on raising money for the Activettes in support of community food security and Gordon-Reece said the need is more prevalent than ever.
"We see it in the school, families are really struggling. We have more kids in breakfast programs and asking for snacks and things like that."
In addition to supporting the food bank, the game is, at its core, a celebration of camaraderie between the two high schools.
"Our schools always compete with each other in sports and things like that, but we don't consider this game to be competitive," said Gordon-Reece.
"One of the highlights is really seeing our school communities come together with all the students and parents smiling. There's always some competitive people, but we try really hard to put an emphasis on making it a fun day where we can get together and raise funds for the Activettes."
President of the Activettes club Marcia Gilbertson said they are grateful for the support each year and give their kudos to the leadership groups that make it possible.
"It's really nice to see the youth fundraising for us," she said. "We're very appreciative of everybody making contributions and it's great to see Cochrane getting out there and getting behind us."
The food bank has seen an upward trend in the number of community members using their service over the past two years, and even moreso in the last few months.
"We've really seen an uptake lately, but we're ready for it," said Gilbertson. "That's what we're here for and we do really want to get the word out to encourage people that are in need, to not hesitate to come forward and make use of our service."
Those in need can reach out to [email protected], call 403-932-9290 or visit cochraneactivettes.com for more information.
