The second annual Nanna Lou and friends charity hockey challenge is fast approaching.
This event is being held in honour of Marylou Lymer, a three-time survivor of breast cancer, who continues to battle cancer on an ongoing basis. Nicknamed "Nanna Lou" by her grandchildren, Lymer has been an active resident of Gibsons for more than 25 years. Like other breast cancer survivors, she is an inspiration to those recently diagnosed, in treatment or in recovery. This event is designed to honour her courage and to assist in helping others win their battle with breast cancer.
The goal is to raise $25,000 as well as community awareness. In its inaugural 2009 event, $13,700 was raised and donated to the Sunshine Coast Relay for Life.
"There is no other single activity that truly binds Marylou's family and friends," said event organizer Brent Lymer. "Her sons play hockey, her daughter plays hockey, her grandsons play hockey, her nephews and nieces play hockey, and her co-workers play hockey. Hockey truly is a binding force within almost every small Canadian town."
Lymer said they have already reached a collection point where they can donate $5,000 to the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society prior to the hockey tournament.
"As we already have the money in the bank, we would rather get it to them early than have them wait until the event has taken place," said Lymer. "This money will help that local organization offset funding reductions it has experienced this year."
The event is slated for Saturday, March 20, at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre. The preliminary games of the hockey tournament will run from 11:15 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. followed by an open friends and family skate from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The championship game will take place from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. The awards ceremony and open after-party dance is from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Gibsons Legion, where a $10 donation will be accepted at the door.
The format will see co-ed four-person teams with the players committing to raise a minimum of $300 in sponsor pledges. Net proceeds will be donated to the Sunshine Coast Relay for Life, a member of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society and, for 2010, a portion will be donated to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation.
The winning team will be awarded the Nanna Lou Stick, a hockey stick autographed by Gretzky specifically for this event. Members of the winning team will have their names engraved on a plaque displayed alongside the event's annual trophy.
Individuals wishing to participate as hockey players can register at http://pinkribbon.nannalou.com. Only a limited number of spots still remain and all skill levels are welcome. Donations can be made online at the event's website at http://pinkribbon.nannalou.com/donate or at the Gibsons branch of the Sunshine Credit Union. Businesses wishing to become sponsors can contact event organizers directly at [email protected] for sponsorship information.
- Submitted
