Law enforcement officers, protective services officials and first responders from all across the province, descended on Merritt this past weekend (Feb. 21-23) to compete head to head in the 7th annual Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Challenge, a charity hockey fundraising event to benefit the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Fourteen teams consisting of law enforcement officers, first responders and protective services officials descended on Merritt from across the province to compete in the Seventh Annual Law Enforcement Charity Hockey Challenge Feb. 21-23.
Around 175 players faced off at Shulus Community Arena and Nicola Valley Memorial Arena over the course of the weekend, including two Merritt RCMP teams.
Since the tournament first began in 2013, it has raised over $100,000 for BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, a cause close to the hearts of many of the players.
Cpl. Brodie Ferris of RCMP Central Interior Traffic Services based in Merritt, said, “On behalf of myself and my family, we are very thankful for the wonderful support we have had from so many businesses and individuals in our community who have sponsored items to support the many raffles and silent auctions or provided financial support to help cover the costs to run the event.
“It is a labour of love for us, our friends and family, who are all so grateful for everything BC Children’s Hospital has done for not only my daughter, but all of the children and families in need across BC,” Brodie continued.
Cpl. Derrick Francis of the Merritt RCMP is the Hockey Challenge’s current president, as well as a player in the tournament, who dedicates his time to this event with the goal of helping sick children across BC receive the care and treatment they need.
“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,” said Francis.
This year the South Okanagan RCMP team took home the win, beating out thirteen other competitors for the title of champion.