The Kootenay ICE’s tradition of giving back to the community and specifically in this case to health care and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health is a story that is at least a decade long.

Not only is it the financial contributions made by the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club and its General Manager Jeff Chynoweth; it’s the gift by many of the players to take an active part in the fundraising efforts of regional hospital foundation.

It seems just like yesterday when Ryan Russell, Dale Mahovsky, Brett Sutter and Josh Fauth could be seen carrying brightly decorated Christmas Trees from their decorating sites to the halls of the Prestige in readiness for the former Festival of Trees Gala.

And guys like Dustin Sylvester, Brayden McNabb and Ian Barteaux visiting the regional hospital and adult care homes to share the holiday spirit and deliver stuffed bears alongside the A&W mascot.

Or you may have a memory of picking up a delicious chocolate chip cookie and coffee accompanied by a huge smile from players like James Martin, Eric Frere and Kevin King who took part in many of the annual Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaigns.

From jerseys from Jarret Stoll to wheelchairs from Ty Stephens and Brendan Hurley to the unforgettable moments of Matt Fraser and the Shoot for the Star campaign it is the commitment by some of the players that is the true story.

And in 2011 the legacy of giving back continues as current Captain Drew Czerwonka (#19) assisted by Max Reinhart  (#23) and Jesse Ismond (#18) carry on the “Fraz” tradition to encourage support to raise $5,000 for EKFH’s annual Starlite Campaign for Excellence in Health Care. The donations the trio bring forward will go towards the purchase of a digital stereotactic mammography unit for the regional hospital.

“I think the star idea that Matt and Donna worked on was pretty awesome especially when you know it is going to buy something great for the hospital.  Me, Max and Izzy just felt that it was something we wanted to see continued so we’re hoping that people will see that we do care about Cranbrook and help us light a star this year,” explained Czerwonka.

The Starlite Campaign runs from November 24 to January 31, 2012.  If you wish to see Drew, Max and Jesse light a star for the mammography project please make a donation at www.ekfh.ca, by mail to EKFH, 13 24th Ave N, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H9 or at the Kootenay ICE office.

Cranbrook Knights of Columbus believe in ‘Stars’

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Last week two local chapters (No. 1406 and No. 8631) joined together to present a $1,000 cheque to Kootenay ICE Captain Drew Czerwonka.

The financial gift is being given to Czerwonka and fellow teammates Jesse Ismond and Max Reinhart to help the trio light a $5,000 star for East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s annual Starlite Campaign. The Knights of Columbus first started the recognition tradition with a gift to Matt Fraser in 2009 and again in 2010.

“We believe the ‘Stars’ of tomorrow are the youth of today. It is individuals such as these young men that will be the future leaders of many businesses, organizations and perhaps even our province or country. If we can show them that we believe in their hard work and their efforts to bring community together it is a win win for all of us,” says Don Sharp, representative of the two chapters.

Thanks to this gracious donation the Drew, Jesse & Max ‘Shoot for the Star’ fundraiser sits at just over $1,660. The three players hope to light a star in December just after the November 24 launch of the campaign.

Wishing to follow the lead of the Knights of Columbus by recognizing your own ‘Star’?  For more information call Donna Grainger at EKFH, 250-489-6481 or consider making a donation to www.ekfh.ca.

Above Photo: L-R:  Rick Hoeg, Frank Miller, Ray Laramee, Drew Czerwonka and Don Sharp take a moment beside the Knights of Columbus Charity Drive – 2nd prize 2012 Dodge Ram at the Tamarack Mall to present the $1,000 gift.

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