The 2nd Annual Battle for the Badges Charity Hockey Game will take place in Spruce Grove on March 22, 2023. The U18AA PAC Saints will face off against a team comprised of Parkland RCMP officers and Spruce Grove Fire Department SGFD firefighters to raise funds and awareness for mental health supports for our first responders.
Mental health in general is a rising concern and a heavy topic in many people’s lives – especially these past few years. From the organizer, Miles Valiquette a local RCMP “First responders typically put on this hat and seem like we all have it together. We go out, face the fire and help others, all while facing our own challenges on a daily basis as well. We all struggle in our own ways, and we all know people that struggle. I love the program that Legacy Place Society has in place, and if this event can help raise awareness for the struggles that first responders go through, while support an organization that is in place to assist in those struggles, then I consider it an overall win”.
“Mental health is no joke, and I hope people see that were all in this together. I’ve lost friends to mental health problems, and I see others that battle it every day. Together we can bring light to a dark situation in this world right now.“ – Miles Valiquette.
All proceeds from this event are for Legacy Place Society, an Alberta-based organization providing confidential peer support and user-friendly resources to first responders and military personnel. Legacy Place Society exists to build family resiliency and legacies to withstand the unique challenges faced by law enforcement, emergency medical/fire services, 911 dispatchers, Veterans and military personnel. The very nature of daily work within the first responder professions can create emotional and physical havoc and the vicarious trauma, PTSD, operational or occupational stress injuries and the psychological and physiological demands of the profession can become major stressors on the individual and their family.
Legacy Place Society is a registered charity that promotes a shared responsibility approach that encourages the individuals and their families to steer themselves through the everyday adversity, reframe the difficult realities of the profession and to encourage daily behaviors that are conducive to recharge and re-engage with themselves, their families and workplace. What defines us is how our work is done as we act as a bridge of possibilities between the individual, their place of work and their families. For additional information on Legacy Place Society please visit: www.legacyplacesociety.com or reach out to Executive Director, Diana Festejo at diana.festejo@legacyplacesociety.com | (403) 201-9945
EVENT INFO:
March 22, 2023 – Grant Fuhr Arena – Doors open at 5:30 PM, Puck Drop at 6:00 PM
This is a free event with donations accepted at the door. A 50/50 (AGLC# 635320) and Raffle (AGLC# 635589) and a draw for GIFT OF FLIGHT WEST JET (AGLC# 637220) will help to raise funds for this most important cause. Come out and fill the stands for our first responders’ mental health. All are welcome!
Companies or individuals interested in supporting this initiative through sponsorship are encouraged to contact Andrea Hunter at the contact information below or connect with the organizers by visiting the Battle for the Badges Facebook page. Financial Donations are tax receipted including possible gift in-kind donations.
SPONSORSHIP: Andrea Hunter Akhunter003@gmail.com | (780) 995-2447 Battle for the Badges, Organizing Committee
MEDIA: Miles Valiquette Mvaliquette9@gmail.com | (780) 686-1693 Battle for the Badges, Founder
LEGACY PLACE SOCIETY: Diana Festejo Diana.festejo@legacyplacesociety.com
EVENT UPDATE: