Dances, hockey teams, bus trips, committees, tournaments, you name it – Doug Kennedy has probably organized it for the community.
Now, the community is organizing a fundraiser for him. Plans for that Oct. 12 fundraiser have progressed quickly enough that even Kennedy would be proud. What were ideas last week are now confirmed plans, for what will be known as “Hockey Day in Kincardine.”
Kennedy, a former Citizen of the Year and a well-known, popular face in town, is currently undergoing cancer treatment in London. A group of his friends – hockey people, local businessmen and other individuals – have planned the Oct. 12 fundraiser in his honour.
“Anybody who knows Doug, knows he would go out of his way to help others,” said Warren Beisel on Thursday afternoon. “He has always been involved in, well, you name it, always willing to talk to people. He is in a time of need here, and we want the community to rally around him and support him.”
And what better way to support Kennedy than a full day of hockey at the Davidson Centre. The Kincardine Minor Hockey Association and the Kincardine Skating Club gave up their booked ice times, and the Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey Association has got on board for a full day of competition.
Starting at 8 a.m., the Kincardine tykes will play an intrasquad game amongst themselves. Then, it will be a full day of Saugeen Shores vs. Kincardine, with no fewer than eight consecutive games between Kincardine and Saugeen Shores rep teams. The novices will start, followed by the atoms, the atom girls, the peewees, peewee girls, bantam girls, bantam boys and midget boys.
While all the action is happening on the ice, the hall will be open with a beer garden and live entertainment. The Sofa Kings, formerly known in these parts as Left Turn Clyde, will be performing from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the hall.
Once the midget game wraps up, it should be about 7 p.m., and time for the Nicol Insurance Kincardine Bulldogs alumni game. If you’re an alumni wanting to be involved, you should get in touch with Jason Reid or Mark Smith. After that, there will be a Kincardine District Secondary School hockey alumni game. Peter Wolfe is organizing that one.
A dance is to follow, with a live performance from Moe ‘N The Lawn, who will get things rocking at 9 p.m. A silent auction will be happening all day long.
Admission for everything, from the hockey to the beer garden to the dance, will be by donation only.
People have already rallied behind the cause. A group of local business people have already covered the cost of the ice time for that day (not a small amount), and the Lions Club is looking after the liquor licence for the event.
There is always a way to pitch in, however, and if you’re interested in helping out, you should get in touch with Dave Patterson or Trevor Clark at Kincardine’s Re/Max office. Those unable to attend, but wishing to make a donation can send a cheque to Kennedy care of Kincardine Re/Max. More items are needed for the silent auction, and volunteers will be needed to help out on Oct. 11.
Hawgs Breath Saloon Dessert Auction:
Thursday 10 October 8:00 PM Until Closing (896 Queen St Kincardine)
Please attend for some refreshments and bid on some amazing desserts to take home! Enjoy!
H O C K E Y S C H E D U L E: Saturday 12 October
Kincardine Minor Hockey Vs Saugeen Shores Storm
TYKES: 8 - 9 AM (KINCARDINE ONLY)
NOVICE: 9 - 10 AM
ATOM GIRLS: 10 - 11 AM
ATOM BOYS: 11 AM - 12 PM
PEEWEE GIRLS: 12 - 1 PM
PEEWEE BOYS: 1 - 2 PM
BANTAM GIRLS: 2 - 3:15 PM
MIDGET GIRLS: 3:15 - 4:30 PM
BANTAM BOYS: 4:30 - 5:45 PM
MIDGET BOYS: 5:45 - 7 PM
BULLDOGS ALUMNI 1 VS BULLDOGS ALUMNI 2: 7 - 8:30 PM
KDSS ALUMNI 1 VS KDSS ALUMNI 2: 8:30 - 10:00 PM