Charity was the name of the game at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena this past weekend as Merritt played host to its third annual law enforcement charity hockey tournament.

It’s an event that aims to give back to the BC Children’s Hospital, and was inspired by Kaydence Ferris — the eight-year-old Merrittonian who was born with a hole in her heart.

Kaydence spent the first six months of her life at the hospital and had to return just last December to have the battery in her pacemaker replaced.

“She was starting to deteriorate around Christmas time when the battery in [her] pacemaker started to wear out, so we had that replaced and she’s doing a whole lot better now,” said Vida Ferris, Kaydence’s mother and the co-ordinator of the tournament.

Kaydence is currently in good health and on a waiting list to have a heart valve replaced — a procedure she’ll require when in her early teens, said her mother.

Around the rink were other families who have been helped by the BC Children’s Hospital.

Megan Rutland and her 10-month-old daughter Emelia. Emelia needed heart surgery when she was only 10 days old, but is doing well now. (Michael Potestio/Herald)

Megan Rutland and her 10-month-old daughter Emelia. Emelia needed heart surgery when she was only 10 days old, but is doing well now. (Michael Potestio/Herald)

Megan and James Rutland travelled all the way from their home in Penticton for the tournament.

The couple’s four year old son Easton and 10-month old daughter Emelia have each received much needed care from the hospital.

Emelia required heart surgery just 10 days after she was born.

“She had a valve that wouldn’t close and she also has a narrowing of her aorta, so they went in and completed closing the valve,” Megan said. “Now she’s just monitored to make sure that everything’s alright with her aorta,” Megan said.

Easton had an airborne allergen that caused him respiratory issues when he was a year old. That led to him losing his hearing and ability to speak.

“He is doing great now, can hear and is slowly getting all of his speech,” Megan said.

“We’re so fortunate to have such a great facility and people at the hospital — and of course across the province all the donors,” said James.

Now in its third year, the charity hockey tournament continues to expand. This year it raised more than $15,000, far surpassing its goal of $10,000.

In its inaugural year the event raised $5,000 and last year it brought in $7,500.

In 2014 BC Children’s Hospital tended to 77 patients from Merritt alone, and more than 84,000 people across the province.

“They’re absolutely miracle workers, and they’re so passionate during your largest fear in life, when your kids are sick, they keep you calm and they keep you moving forward,” Megan said.