U-13 Flyers supporting Christmas spirit with weekend food drive

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  The Alberta Elite Hockey League’s (AEHL) U-13 ‘A’ Fort St. John Flyers will give attendees a chance to contribute to someone’s Christmas with a food drive during their games this weekend.

Items collected on December 7th and 8th versus the Strathcona Warriors will benefit the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society. 

According to team manager Danielle Bahm, in previous years, the team would have contributed to the Fort St. John Huskies “Fill the Bus” food drive campaign, but due to their schedule, they could not do so.

Bahm says the various food drives involving hockey programs aren’t a “competition” but rather the town’s efforts to elevate those less fortunate.

“Normally, we’d give the Huskies a hand,” said Bahm. “Instead of doubling on contributions to the Salvation Army, we’d try to give everybody a great holiday season.”

“I just think it’s such a hard time right now for so many people.”  

In addition to food, outdoor clothing such as gloves, hats, wool socks, snow pants, warm jackets, and scarves will also be collected.

“If people have a bunch of stuff sitting in their basement that they don’t use anymore, as long as it’s in good shape,” said Bahm. “It’s pretty chilly this time of year.”

Bahm adds that some of these young hockey players might not realize the commendable nature of their charitable work right now.

“[It’s important] starting these kids out at this age to teach them how it feels to give back,” said Bahm. “Most of them get to play the sports they love and have everything they need.”

“But I don’t think they realize the struggle some people have.  It’s good for them.”

Currently, the ‘A’ Flyers sit in third place in the AEHL’s ‘13 AA’ division, with a 9-4-1 record.

The games against the Strathcona Warriors will be played at the east arena of the Pomeroy Sports Centre, located at 9324 96th Street in Fort St. John.

Saturday’s puck drop will be scheduled for 5:45 p.m., while Sunday’s game starts at 10 a.m. 

For more information about the team, visit their Facebook page.