The Fort McMurray Oil Barons had a little extra motivation this season.
They teamed up with KidSport Wood Buffalo to help raise money for children with financial barriers to play sports.
The idea, which is the brain-child of KidSport Ambassador and Country 93.3’s Brad Karp, was to have individuals and corporations donate a minimum of $1 for every goal the Oil Barons scored during their regular season.
With 200 goals, the Oil Barons will help roughly 30 kids play the sport of their choice.
This year’s 24 sponsors pledged up to $10, bringing the total per goal to $55.
With 200 goals at $55, the first year of Goals for KidSport raised a total $11,000.
Executive Director of KidSport Wood Buffalo, Meryl Makinson said that the organization is growing in the community.
“For those of you who grew up playing sports you know how important it is, both physically and mentally, for kids to be involved in sport.”
She said in 2018 KidSport distributed almost $200,000 in grants to local sports organizations to around 525 kids play the sport of their choice.
Two awards were handed out at the appreciation event on March 5.
Oil Baron Reed Morison was awarded with Top Goal-scorer by KidSport.
Morrison led not only his team, but the AJHL with 41 goals contributing $2,255 towards the campaign.
“I don’t know where I’d be without sports. It’s taught me all the life lessons that I know. It’s just great for the Oil Barons. I know we really wanted to get over 200 goals.”
Brignall Equipment Solutions was awarded with Top Donor, pledging $10 per goal scored, adding $2,000 to the campaign.
As for next year’s campaign, Karp said he has no specific plans yet, but looks forward to watching it grow.
“When I started this thing I would have been happy with like $5,000 and we more than doubled that, so I’m thrilled.”
The Oil Barons head into the first round of playoffs on March 7 against the Grande Prairie Storm.
Sponsors
Brignall Equipment Solutions – $10 per goal
Alberta Property Management – $5 per goal
Vis-Star Homes Ltd. & 3D Building Group Ltd. – $5 per goal
RNG Contracting – $5 per goal
Christian Wales – $5 per goal
Kate Arnold of Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray – $3 per goal
Great Plains Security – $3 per goal
Dave Britt – $2 per goal
Paul Leith – $2 per goal
OPA Fort McMurray / Lucretia & Shane Britt – $1 per goal
Andy Alexander – $1 per goal
Jannie Joubert – $1 per goal
Chad O’Keefe – $1 per goal
Chartrand Body Works – $1 per goal
Connie’s Tupperware – $1 per goal
Northern Light Lunches / Casman Centre Concession – $1 per goal
Joe Denis Manuel – $1 per goal
Bryce Bodner – $1 per goal
Dustin Bradbury – $1 per goal
Tim Sullivan – $1 per goal
Terry Connors – $1 per goal
Troy Dickson – $1 per goal
Tom Keca – $1 per goal
Brad Karp – $1 per goal