BIENFAIT — The Bienfait Memorial Arena was a busy place on March 22 as the community came together for the Bienfait Parks and Rec Skate Park Fundraiser. The all-day event featured hockey games, glow skating, a raffle and more with all proceeds going toward the construction of a new outdoor skate park.
“Adam Vilcu from the fire department and I started organizing this back in January,” said event organizer Daniyale Woolsey. “We originally started with just the Bulldogs playing hockey and the fire department playing hockey, and then Adam [suggested] to make a whole day of it. And so here we are.”
The fundraiser included two hockey games, starting with a U7 matchup between the Bienfait Miners and the Lampman Imperials. The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated showdown between the Bienfait Fire Department and the Bienfait Bulldogs women’s team.
“That’s our bill for the night, our big one,” Woolsey said.
The game ended in a 4-4 tie, with both teams eager for a rematch next year.
Community support played a key role in making the event a success.
“We did start selling the 50/50 tickets as soon as we could, and other than that, everything was done today,” Woolsey explained.
A raffle table featured items donated by local businesses and residents.
The fundraiser marked the beginning of a significant project for the community.
“We are fundraising to build a skate park,” Woolsey said.
The planned facility, designed by Canadian Ramp, will be located near the swimming pool.
“Turnbull’s is going to be doing the concrete work in the spring for it,” Woolsey added. “Once we have the cement pad in, we can continue to fundraise for the equipment.”
The idea for the skate park was born about a year ago. After securing all needed approvals in January, efforts quickly shifted toward raising the necessary funds.
With grants still pending and continued fundraising efforts, Woolsey is optimistic about the timeline for completion.
“I'm hoping that we can have it by the end of the summer, early into the fall,” she said. “Even that cement pad, once it's done, I'm sure the kids will be on their skateboards [there].”
Woolsey expressed gratitude to those who contributed.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped put this event together. Volunteers, raffle table donators, 50/50 purchasers and everyone who came out to enjoy the day.”
The plan is to make the fundraiser an annual event, Woolsey said.
