ROC the Rink has seen 18 corporate and competitive teams play hockey for charity all weekend.

Organizer Andrew Penner says the first games were held Friday evening, they played throughout the day on Saturday, and the championship games will be on Sunday. He notes ROC Eastman tries to hold fundraisers that are fun and active.

“We're trying to do more of these fun and exciting events, get people out, maybe a little exercise, but it's certainly not only about the exercise. It is about bringing people together and creating awareness. This year we are excited because we have teams from La Broquerie, Blumenort, Ste. Anne, then we have some corporate teams as well, it is all within the Eastman Region.”

Penner says they also had a charity barbecue on Saturday and did something they like to call a pie-ing. He notes anyone could buy a pie for 10 dollars and throw it at one of four participants including himself.

ROC Eastman Executive Director Moni Loewen says they have been jumping for joy at the amazing support that ROC Eastman has been receiving. She notes the money they raise at events like ROC the Rink directly impact kids lives.

“On the surface it is making sure that kids are having more fun in their lives, but what else does that mean? That means they made friends and they have a place in this world and that means that they found a great instructor or coach that is going to be pivotal in their development as a kids. We are so excited to grow and say yes to more kids.”

Loewen says one of the most amazing things about the ROC the Rink fundraiser is that it is fun way for everyone involved to get active and pursue a hobby just like they do with the kids that in their program. She notes in the last year ROC Eastman has received a huge spike in support which is exciting but means they need to plan for the future and keep the support up.

“Growth for us means hiring more staff to work with more kids, that is what it's about. If we hire based on a spike in support, then what does that look like next year, and how do we maintain that. It is a huge challenge, it means that we have to get serious about continuing supporting those families, and not just doing it for one year.”

Loewen gives a huge thank you to the community for coming out and taking part in ROC the Rink.