YORKTON – A Yorkton Regional High School student looks to raise funds for Yorkton Minor Hockey through team wins.
Vinay Junek is a grade 12 student at the YRHS, the school's President and a forward for the Yorkton Maulers.
"Usually the president takes on some type of initiative by giving back to the community or doing an event at the school," said Junek in an interview with Yorkton This Week, adding, "this year I kind of wanted to get back to my hockey roots."
Junek said he reached out to local businesses with a proposal: for every game the Maulers win the businesses would donate a pre-determined amount of money per win, ranging anywhere from $20.00-$100.00.
"At the end of the regular season I'm going to donate that money — and money that I'm donating to the pot as well — I'm going to donate that back to Yorkton Minor Hockey – so kids can have the money to have the same opportunities that I had growing up," said Junek.
So far Junek has seven businesses signed on to participate including N.L. Construction, All About Flowers, Triple A Directional Drilling, Haas Nissan, Potzus Construction and Yorkton Concrete with a direct donation of $200.00 from Cornerstone Credit Union.
The team is off to a great start with their back-to-back wins over the Battlefords Stars over the weekend, helping to secure $600.00 for Junek's efforts.
Businesses who sponsor are getting recognition through the the hockey club's social media avenues as well as announcements at games.
Junek said he found inspiration for the effort from past school presidents.
"I got a few ideas from other presidents in the past who have done stuff with their sports," said Junek, adding, "I have a good connection with Yorkton Minor Hockey and I've had a super successful upbringing in hockey."
The young athlete reiterated that he wants kids to have the same opportunities that he had growing up, noting the equipment and jersey needs of youths playing the sport.
Junek said he's had some guidance YRHS staff and family with the effort.
"Mr. Haczkewicz and Mr. Sharpe have been on board and have helped me in the right direction — my leadership teacher Mrs. Stanek-Sebastion — and then my parents have obviously been major helps for me."
At the end of the Maulers' regular season, Junek will present the money he's raised to Yorkton Minor Hockey.
"I feel like doing all these things puts me in the right direction."
