PEMBROKE – Twelve years ago, a group of AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.) employees organized the first Black Bears Hockey Tournament to raise funds for a co-worker in need. Approximately six teams took part that first year and since then, the tournament has expanded and now hosts 18 teams.
The proceeds from the 2017 tournament will not only support a staff family in need but they will also benefit all CNL (Canadian Nuclear Laboratories) employees and the community at large through donations to the Pembroke Regional Hospital and the Deep River and District Hospital.
This year’s tournament raised over $32,000, with $11,119.70 earmarked for the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation’s Cutting Edge Campaign in support of the hospital’s new Orthopaedic program.
“The Black Bears have contributed $21,819.70 to our hospital since 2014; they helped purchase the MRI and now they’re helping us purchase Orthopaedic equipment,” said PRH Foundation Executive Director Nancy Warren.
“The Ministry of Health does not fund new equipment, so it is thanks to organizations like the Black Bears Hockey Club, along with businesses and individuals in our community, that our medical team has state-of-the-art equipment to work with, ensuring that local families receive optimal care.”
Daniel Venne, an organizing committee member, said, “After all the hard work and time put into organizing this event, it’s so rewarding to see how the tournament brings our CNL family together in order to help others in need and also help out the community. I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
The Black Bears thanks all the CNL staff and all CNL partners for their donations to the tournament, as well as their major sponsor, Tony and Lisa Donnelly of EGM Insurance.
If you have a fundraising idea for the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation, or wish to help with the Cutting Edge Campaign, please contact Claire Johnson at 613-732-2811, extension 6129 or [email protected].
