Celebrated on the new Walsh Field, the eighth annual Scott MacDonald Memorial couldn't have gone better for the local football community.
The Bonnyville Renegades, Bandits, and Voyageurs were all in action during the memorial on Saturday, Sept. 16. The yearly event is held in honour of former Bonnyville Voyageur Scott MacDonald, who lost his battle with cancer in 2010.
For the second straight year, all three Bonnyville teams won their games in front of a packed house, on what the players called the biggest day of the year.
“The Scott MacDonald Memorial is very special. Not only do all three teams play, but we raise money for cancer in our biggest fundraiser of the year. It doesn't matter if we make it to provincials or even championships, this is the biggest game of the year from my perspective,” expressed Duncan Critch quarterback for the Bandits.
Critch and his teammates, along with members of the Voyageurs and Renegades, had their heads shaved for the cause during the event, following over a month of fundraising for cancer research. While the action took place on the field, residents did their part by bidding on silent auction items. All of the proceeds were donated to local charities.
Even members of the Bonnyville RCMP Detachment, and a few moms from the crowd got in on the head shaving action.
Between the two fundraisers, the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association (BAFA) was able to raise over $12,000. All of which, will be put towards various local cancer support or research programs.
“The final number for the head shave was $6,800, to go with the $6,105 from the silent auction. The money we raise stays local and goes towards local people. It's a great feeling to be a part of that,” said Skye Christians, head shave coordinator for this year's Scott MacDonald Memorial.
The same effect stretched to everyone in attendance, whether that was a player, coach, fan, or volounteer.
Voyageurs head coach Larry Godziuk explained he feels a special connection to the day, having been a part of the coaching staff MacDonald played under.
Godziuk said while battling cancer, MacDonald often spoke of helping others in his situation.
Seven years later, that legacy continues to build momentum through the memorial, with the support of the entire football community.
“I myself have never had the pleasure of meeting the young man we do this for, but it's special to see the community turn out year after year to make this event extremely successful,” expressed Christians. “Every kid that plays football looks forward to this day. Whether they're young or old, they want to play in the Scott MacDonald Memorial because of the energy the community brings.”
While BAFA holds fundraisers throughout the year, the memorial by-far takes the most time and effort. Volunteers are happy to do their part in ensuring the day runs smoothly.
“There's a lot of work that goes into this. The preparation time takes months, but the volounteers do an absolutely fantastic job. They work late nights and early mornings to make sure this is a success,” noted Christians.
The ribbon cutting at the new Walsh Field represented the cherry on top of another excellent Scott Macdonald Memorial.
After taking part in the ceremony, Voyageurs coach Dan Jubinville took a second to reflect on the effect the memorial has had on anyone who has experienced the event.
“It's momentous. The Scott MacDonald Memorial just brings out the best in people. It's really a wonderful thing.”
