On Sunday,
December 3, the Midget AE team headed to Cayuga to help The Children's Aid
Society of Haldimand and Norfolk (CAS) with their annual children’s holiday
party. Although some of the team was
unable to attend, we had strong representation with 12 of our boys out to enjoy
the day’s festivities!
The boys arrived long before the foster families, and were tasked with setting up the party room for 85 guests, with special areas for crafts, food and of course, Santa! They happily got to work and had things set up and ready to go when families arrived.
Throughout the afternoon, the boys chipped in and helped wherever needed, tying skates, a little “coaching” on the ice, making crafts, but mainly just being a friend to a child who could really use one. Certain kids took a particular interest in the team, and expressed how they really hoped the boys would come back again next year. One child in particular wanted to be in all of the team photos and hugged each player before they left. This is what the spirit of a true community Christmas should be.
Hockey isn’t just about the results on the scoreboard, it’s about building relationships and character. The coaching staff could not be more proud of the boys for stepping in and lending a hand to those who need it.
Merry Christmas from the Midget AE team!!
A few bits of information regarding the Haldimand Norfolk Children's Aid Society:
* There are 84 foster homes in the region
* There are approximately 200 children in care, and the majority are in family based care, e.g. foster homes or with a family member, relative or close friend.
* Average foster homes operate for 5-10 years; there are two long term
homes in operation in our region, 37 and 25 years
L-R back row; Zachary LaRiviere, Kaiden Midwinter, Shane Hodge, Head Coach Jamie Vowles
L-R middle row; Nathan Vowles, Ethan Harrison, Ethan Hossack, Andrew Wise
L-R front row; Nick Ratchford, Derek D’Ortenzio, Brayden Cortez, Austin Ruddy, Thomas Boyter
Derek D’Ortenzio putting his craft skills to good use!
Nick Ratchford helping out one of his new friends around the rink!
The boys hanging out with their new friends!
L-R; Thomas Boyter, Kaiden Midwinter, Ethan Hossack, Derek D’Ortenzio, Brayden Cortez, Ethan Harrison, Shane Hodge, Zachary LaRiviere, Nathan Vowles, Andrew Wise, Nick Ratchford
L-R; Kaiden Midwinter, Brayden Cortez, Nathan Vowles, Nick Ratchford, Zachary LaRiviere