Kael DePape is a netminder with the Yorkton SECON Maulers hockey teams, so making a save is a good thing for his team.
This year however, each save DePape makes is just a bit bigger since it helps raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton.
With each save DePape makes he is collecting $2 from sponsor Remax Blue Chip Realty in the city with the year-end total going to the local youth organization.
“Last year, after the season, after school I volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club,” explained DePape, adding that experience showed him first-hand “how much they were doing for the community and families in Yirkton.”
The 16-year-old DePape decided he wanted to help beyond volunteering.
Last season he said he had participated in the October Saves Program which raised dollars for breast cancer research and awareness, and from that experience cane an idea,
“Rather than a big national fundraiser I thought maybe I’d do something closer to home that needs support,” he said.
While it took some time for the idea to get approved by the team, which DePape “pulled the heartstrings a bit” as he waited for the go-ahead, once everyone said yes the idea fell into place quite easily.
ReMax was quick to come on-side.
“They were the first place I actually went and met with,” said DePape, and they thought the idea was a great one.
With ReMax putting up the $2 a save, the rest has been up to DePape. As of Jan. 23, he said he has had 752 saves as a Mauler this season, pushing the total raised to just more than $1500.
There are 10-games left in the Saskatchewan AAA Midget Hockey League season for the Maulers, and DePape hopes to see enough games and enough rubber flying his way to push the total to $2000.
From the perspective of the Boys and Girls Club, the effort being made by DePape is appreciated.
“It is absolutely amazing,” said Lorraine Moeller, executive director at Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton, adding “calls like that don’t come very often.”
Obviously DePape volunteering opened the door to the fundraiser.
“It’s such a nice fit,” said Moeller, adding “we’re always looking for new ways to keep programs current for young people that are coming in the door, and that tales funding,” so the donation is certainly welcomed.
