For the fifth year, Parks Canada Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is joining forces with local businesses and organizations to raise funds for the United Way in a very Canadian fashion.
On Oct. 19, the Raven Marine parking lot on Harbour Road will be converted into a street hockey game and block party featuring a barbecue, a bake sale and raffle prizes.
“Last year we had our barbecue and bake sale later in the day, but this year we’re having it at noon so we’re hoping people from the business community can make it out,” said event organizer, Jeanne Freer from Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Freer said they are aiming to raise the same amount they did last year, which was $1,250.
“(The hockey tournament and barbecue) is our main fundraising effort for our annual United Way campaign so every cent we raise goes directly to United Way,” Freer said. “We couldn’t do it without the support from the businesses that donate to the event.”
The tournament has been a tradition on Harbour Road for the last four years and Freer hopes it will continue to be a success.
“We get teams out from all over,” she said. “(In 2011) Vector Yacht Services won the trophy so they’ve had it for the last year, so it will be up for grabs again.”
The barbecue and bake sale kick off at noon on Oct. 19 and are by donation. Team registration for the hockey tournament, which begins at 2 p.m., costs $50 (all to charity).
Teams who wish to participate should register before Oct. 18. For more information or to register, call 250-654-4003 or email jeanne.freer@pc.gc.ca.