Twenty-four recreational hockey teams are participating in a tournament in Langford that helps raise money for low-income players, including four from mainland B.C. and two from Seattle.
From Saturday, March 16 until today, the 10th annual Debbie Cooper Memorial Tournament is having draws for raffle prizes and a fun, end-of-season competition with peewee and midget recreational hockey teams.
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“Debbie was really heavily in the community lacrosse, racing, you name it, but more so with the kids that couldn’t afford it,” said head coordinator Corrina Taylor.
“We raise, we spoil the kids, then we donate the rest,” Taylor said, adding “usually it’s $10,000 a weekend.” The money is going to Kidsport Victoria and Sport Assist.
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Over $120,000 has been donated in 10 years, Taylor said.
The tournament’s winners earn pizza while losers get doughnuts. Some teams have thrown games for the doughnuts, Taylor said. The community “really steps up” every year of the drive, she added. Most of the raffle items this year were donated. Two craft beer baskets, a round of golf, a hotel stay and chocolate basket were some of the prizes on offer.
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Deanna Beddington, a coordinator, said this is a fitting dedication to her sister.
“It’s keeping Debbie’s hope alive,” she said.
swikar.oli@goldstreamgazette.com