Local kids took to the ice with the Soo Greyhounds Tuesday night, raising a record $138,000 in the annual Bell Celebrity Skate.
Hounds players signed autographs and posed for photos at the GFL Memorial Gardens, with the money collected going toward Rotary Youth projects and local teams.
Below is the full press release from the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie:
On Tuesday, hundreds of children skated alongside the Soo Greyhounds in support of Rotary Youth Projects at the 28th Bell Celebrity Skate. Through their fundraising efforts, participants raised a record-breaking $138,000 (surpassing 2023’s record of $102,000). Much of the funds will go towards local hockey and youth activities as part of the event’s partnership with participating teams.
The Soo Greyhounds met their young fans at the GFL Memorial Gardens, signing event programs and posing for group photos.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Soo Greyhounds’ support. The kids are thrilled to skate with their OHL heroes, and the Hounds have a great time interacting with the kids. We would like to thank our many prize sponsors and especially our title sponsor, Bell,” shared Rotarian and Bell Skate Co-Chair, Rodger Rosset. “Of course, a huge Thank You goes out to the players, coaches, managers, parents, and guardians who went above and beyond to make this a record-breaking year, and the thousands of community members who gave generously.”
The event is executed by a team of forty volunteers, including Rotarians, Bell employees, Canadian Ski Patrol members, friends, and family.
“Volunteering to assist Rotary with the behind-the-scenes processes at the Bell Celebrity Skate was exciting and fulfilling,” shared Nicole Maville, who represented Bell in the banking room, where Computer Inputters enter player data and determine the top prize winners in time for closing ceremonies. “I really enjoyed working alongside such friendly, talented people at an incredible event for the community.”
The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie extends its thanks to every participant who raised funds in support of Rotary’s good works and congratulates this year’s top fundraisers:
Camden Wardell – Nintendo Switch Console
Avery Henshell – Ten tickets to the BDO GFL Memorial Gardens box (courtesy of BDO)
William Pace – Nine tickets to the McDougall Energy GFL Memorial Gardens box (courtesy of McDougall Energy)
Carter Wilson – Eight tickets to the Dr. Floreani, O'Toole & Dool Orthodontists GFL Memorial
Gardens box (courtesy of Dr. Floreani, O'Toole & Dool Orthodontists)
Luca Miceli – Eight tickets to the ASAPP Financial Technology GFL Memorial Gardens box (courtesy of ASAPP Financial Technology)
Kolten Bye – Eight tickets to the O’Neill Nanne GFL Memorial Gardens box (courtesy of O’Neill Nanne)
Claire Henshell – Bike (courtesy of Canadian Tire)
Rex Sinclair – Autographed Soo Greyhounds jersey
Owen Heffernan, Jase Willis, Jaxon Caldwell, Rowen Weise, Jack Spears – Watches (courtesy of Savoy’s Jewellers)
Tristen Denis – Hockey bag (courtesy of Jayteq Pro Shop)
Silas Bruyere – Hockey bag (courtesy of Soo Source For Sports)
Oliver Hagerman, Sawyer Gallant, Olivia Lesyshen, James Henshell, Connor Slewidge, Hunter Rooney, Landon Whitmall, Rydder Lee Wilson, Oliver Holton, Sami Miller, Rhys Forbes, Graysonn Coupland, Lucas Scott, Connor Porco, Reed Jahner, Easton Lethbridge, Arlo Brideau, Cooper Mick, Rowan Arnold, Eli Olar – Autographed Soo Greyhounds ball caps (courtesy of Northern Sports Excellence)
This year’s top fundraising team, U11 AtoMc Green Vipers, raised over $8,000 and will receive a pool party.
Founded in 1918, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie promotes service, leadership, and community betterment. The club’s primary charitable mandate is to support children with physical disabilities, in addition to their local initiatives like the Rotary Algoma STEM Fair, Rotary Sports Awards, Rotary scholarships, Rotary Adventure Playground, and their partnership with THRIVE Child Development Centre.