With a little more money in the bank, the community of Lorette is one small step closer to getting a new multiplex.

Co-organizer Chris Maxemuck says the ‘36 Hour Community Challenge’ is a spin-off of an event held 16 years ago where 42 people played hockey for 36 hours straight and raised over $80,000 for a new multiplex. Maxemuck explains the goal of this weekend was to get people from the community talking about what they would like to see in a new facility and also to talk with their council candidates leading up to the election.

"The idea came to me about nine days ago," notes Maxemuck, "I see the chance to help engage people with elected officials and that’s so important. Being an elected official, it’s not easy. It’s a tough, tough job and I wanted to create a format where people could meet in an informal setting." 

The other part of the event was selling hockey pucks for ten dollars each with the profits going towards a new future facility. 

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff with RM of Tache council candidate Joey Johnson. Cheveldayoff purchased five pucks for the 36 Hour Community Challenge.

"We gave the opportunity for people to either keep the puck or donate that puck back to minor hockey and write a positive message on that puck so they can encourage the next generation," Maxemuck says.

He adds the initial goal was to sell 1,000 pucks which he says was a bit lofty considering they only started planning the event less than two weeks ago.  

Maxemuck notes 1,510 pucks were sold over the weekend and a total of $15,000 was raised for a future multiplex in Lorette.

"I just wanted to get people out, get them talking, get them motivated," says Maxemuck, "I think a new facility is on the horizon but I think it’s going to take people coming together and talking.

The weekend consisted of normal game or practice slots with the lobby open for those who wanted to come meet their council candidates and purchase a puck for the fundraiser.