Members of the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association’s peewee rep team held a fundraiser for local charities at the Osoyoos Credit Union this past Saturday. Head coach Dean Maynard (far right) and his players ended up raising $300, which will go towards gift cards to help local families for the Christmas season. (Trevor Nichols photo)
The smell of hot butter, the babbling of a popcorn maker and the chatter of a dozen young kids permeated the lobby of the Osoyoos Credit Union this past Saturday, as the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association’s (SOMHA) peewee rep team undertook its first-ever popcorn fundraiser.
The boys, clad in their team jackets and toques, swarmed the bank lobby passing out popcorn to patrons, asking for donations to a local charity in return.
Others braved the chilly morning, canvassing passersby on the street outside to give to the cause.
Amongst chaos in the lobby and the chorus of high-pitched voices, Coach Dean Maynard looked on with a grin.
According to Maynard, his players came up with the idea for the fundraiser all on their own, and the 11- and 12-year-olds were instrumental in making it happen.
“They came up with the idea and they executed it,” he said, explaining how proud he was to see his team out communicating with each other and the community. He added that it was the first time he can remember a peewee team in Osoyoos taking such initiative.
“I’ve been involved in minor hockey in Osoyoos for quite awhile and this is the first time I’ve been a part of something like this. “I’m pretty excited for these kids.”
Stepping away from his post in front of the popcorn machine, team member Crae Dawson said he was happy to see how generous community members were being. His eyes lit up with a mix of shock and glee when he explained that some people donated without even asking for popcorn.
Dawson said he and his teammates wanted to hold the fundraiser to give something back to the community that has supported them throughout their season.
“[The community] helped us a lot, through fundraisers for our tournaments and stuff, so it’s a good deed for us to put some money back into the community,” he said.
His teammate, Andon Maynard, agreed.
“I wanted to be here because I think it was nice that [the community] donated to us to go to tournaments. They gave us all that we needed, so I think we should give it back, and show some respect.”
“All the people have a lot of generosity,” Shelby Etty chimed in.
Coach Maynard thanked the Osoyoos Credit Union for sponsoring the fundraiser by providing the popcorn and space for the team to sell it.
The team ended up raising $300 from the fundraiser.
With assistance from the Oliver Boys & Girls Club, the team was able to provide $300 in grocery gift cards to some deserving families.
Team members and the coaching staff would also like to thank all of the local businesses that have supported the team this year.
TREVOR NICHOLS
Regional Reporter
