There is a really great event coming up this weekend that is for a super important local charity! The 5th annual Matt Cook 24 Hour Hockey Game begins this Friday April 1st. See below for ways to get involved!
Who was Matt Cook?
Matthew Cook was born in Edmonton in 1987. Graduating from St. Francis Xavier High School in 2005, Matthew planned to study medicine. In addition to being a very good student, he was a healthy, athletic young man with a passion for hockey. After high school, Matt played hockey with the Bonnyville Pontiacs Junior A Hockey Club until January 2006, when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of cancer found most often in young people. Matt endured many cancer treatments (31 rounds of chemotherapy) and had a below the knee amputation. Despite this he earned a spot on Team Canada’s Sledge Hockey team and played on their 2008/2009 team! Sadly, the cancer eventually spread and Matt lost his battle on April 4, 2010.
What is the Matt Cook Foundation?
The Matt Cook Foundation was formed as a non-profit society to place the issue of rare cancers firmly on the Canadian health policy agenda, to identify and promote appropriate solutions and to raise much-needed funding for research. They also provide a care package to young cancer patients that helps to keep them connected to the outside world. It includes things like a iPad, blanket, headphones, duffle bag and more.
How Does a 24 Hour Hockey Game fit into this?
Matt was a dedicated hockey player. To honour his memory as well as raise funds for the foundation, the 24 hour hockey game was born. From 6pm Friday April 1st to 6pm Saturday April 2nd there will be an ongoing game at the Canadian Athletic Club Arena (14640 142 Street, Edmonton). Some of the players will be on the ice for the full 24 hours, while other groups will join in throughout the event. Including kids teams, celebrities and more. For a complete schedule please click here.
Players from last year’s game at the end of the 24 hours!
How can you help or become involved?
- Donate to support the cause, here.
- Come and cheer on the players this Friday and Saturday at the game! You can drop by any time to show your support and even make a donation on site. Game starts at 6pm April 1 and wraps up at 6pm April 2 at the Canadian Athletic Club Arena in Northwest Edmonton.
I have personally attended this event in the past and I am friends with some of the people who play for the entire 24 hours and I can tell you that this is a special event full of dedicated volunteers who are doing all that they can to help support the important work of the Matt Cook Foundation. At the silent auction (located upstairs by the viewing area) you will see a ton of awesome donated items including something special from us at Modern Mama St. Albert, Momentum Health and Wellness and Premium Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.
For more information please visit the Matt Cook Foundation Website and the 24 Hour Charity Challenge Website.
XO,
