Annual hockey tournament in support of Stollery Children’s Hospital sets new fundraising mark

The Stollery Family Day Classic hockey tournament has come to a close, raising money for the Edmonton children's hospital.

A record-breaking number of teams, a tournament record-breaking amount of money raised for Edmonton’s children’s hospital.

Athletes on the 108 teams taking part in this year’s Stollery Family Day Classic have raised an all-time high $682,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Heading into the 16th annual Friday-to-Monday tourney at the south-side Booster Juice Recreation Centre in Terwillegar, the foundation had raised $5.3 million.

The money will go toward the foundation’s Giving Comfort program, which supports families who have to make an unexpected trip to the hospital.

This year, tournament athletes and their families raised funds from peer-to-peer, an auction, a raffle and by selling 50/50 tickets. They exceeded their goal of $500,000.

Steve Serdachny, chairman and founder of the Stollery Family Day Classic, said Monday the tournament was created not only for families and communities but also “to teach kids to think about others that aren’t as fortunate, that aren’t able to play hockey or be active, but also to promote active living and good health.”

“Having the kids ... take some time out of their year to realize that when you’re a kid, sometimes the world’s your own, and understand that you’re trying to help others and help community and bring awareness and raise a few funds for an incredible cause, and also have gratitude and to be thankful that you’re able to play hockey, you’re in good enough health and to have that facility there for if you do need it,” Serdachny told media at the Booster Juice Recreation Centre.