By: Fred Groves, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
There might have been a definite winner on the scoreboard at the end of the game at Kingsville Arena, but the entire Essex County triumphed.
There might have been a definite winner on the scoreboard at the end of the Kingsville Arena on Feb. 16, but the entire Essex County triumphed.
Kingsville Fire and Rescue Services challenged their counterparts over in Lakeshore to a charity hockey game with the proceeds going to the Erie Shores Health Care.
“We are excited to be able to support Erie Shores, particularly the Cancer Centre. It’s near-and-dear to our hearts. It’s something that not only impacts firefighters but people in the community as well,” said Lakeshore Chief Jason Suchiu.
Before he became the chief in this municipality, Suchiu held the same position in Kingsville. He said that when his counterpart, Scott Moore, from Kingsville reached out with the opportunity, there was no hesitation in answering the bell. “Community support is huge for us. We get to interact with the people in the community all the time. They call us when they need assistance and we’re always there to support anyway we can,” added Suchiu.
All Five of the fire stations in Lakeshore were well represented in the game, and at least 10 from the local department were in Leamington just four days later, taking the plunge in frigid water at the Polar Bear Dip to support Special Olympics.
While Moore suited up to play, Suchiu saved his best performance for the second intermission shutout. He said he will definitely taking the plunge.
The game on Feb. 16, was very well attended due to the fact that it was Family Day and the stands were full to capacity. Kingsville got off to a quick start but the Lakeshore firefighters quickly responded but did not get the win.
“At the end of the day we are all winners,” said Suchiu.
A Kingsville win meant that Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, who lost a friendly wager to Mayor Dennis Rogers, had to stand up at an Essex County Council meeting, and wearing swag from the victors, recite a limerick.
There were lots of raffles, trivia and a Tim Bits hockey game and a chance for everyone to donate in some way to the local hospital.
“It’s two communities really coming together to support their local hospital,” said Erie Shores Hospital Foundation CEO Penny Bellhouse. “Erie Shores supports over 200,000 people in Essex County.”
And while there may be some concern of the future of the Leamington facility, due to the new Windsor mega hospital, Bellhouse ensures that Erie Shores is here to stay.
“We are growing and we are going to be bigger and better.”
